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Multnomah student dies while studying overseas

Holly Miller, a senior intercultural studies major, died on the island of Sumba, Indonesia four hours after being bit by an Asian Pit Viper. Miller was in Sumba as part of EduVenture, a study-abroad program. She was 21.

Miller applied for the term with EduVenture last spring and was receiving college credit for her time in Sumba.

"The trip meant a lot to her," Larry Hammer, kitchen manager, said. "It was what she wanted."

Miller, whose nicknames included "Holly-Bells," "Hollywog," "Sweet Holly" and "The Iron Butterfly," was returning to her homestay with a friend from a community event when the snake bit her twice on the foot. The normally non-aggressive snake bit both her and her friend, Sarah Robinson. Robinson survived.

Miller, some of the EduVenture staff and Robinson rushed to the closest hospital--an hour away. On the way over, Robinson and Miller prayed and sang the hymn "Because He Lives" over and over.

While at Multnomah, Miller worked in the kitchen, serving four days a week. "She had the gift of a soft and wonderful heart," Mr. Hammer said. "She touched a lot of people.

Mr. Hammer said that in addition to serving, she helped with the school's catering and banquets. "She was so pleasant to have around. She will be missed a lot," Mr. Hammer said, "and for a long time."

Miller is survived by her sister, Heather, and her parents, Del and Ruth Miller, of Greeley, Colo. Multnomah students Nathan Jansen and Harmony Morris are still in Indonesia with the 11 remaining EduVenture students.