Crowds in Germany mourn student killed while defending teen girls

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Crowds in Germany mourn student killed while defending teen girls
Flowers and a picture cover the grave of Tugce Albayrak in Bad-Soden Salmuenster, Germany, Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2014. Credit: Michael Probst

Hundreds of mourners turned out Wednesday to pay their respects to a German student who died defending two teenage girls from men who were threatening them.

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Tugce Albayrak, a 23-year-old student, was in a McDonald's near Frankfurt when she heard cries for help from the bathroom. She discovered two girls being harassed by a group of men and intervened. Later, one of the men attacked Albayrak in the parking lot of the restaurant, using a stone or a bat to strike her head, causing her to lose consciousness.

Her parents chose to take their daughter off of life support on Friday, her birthday. The 18-year-old suspect is currently in custody.

German President Joachim Gauck wrote to the woman's family, saying the woman was "a role model."

"Like countless citizens, I am shocked and appalled by this terrible act," he said. Tugce has earned gratitude and respect from us all. She will always remain a role model to us, our entire country mourns with you."

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