Franciscan University students Die in Apparent Carbon Monoxide Incident
A tragic accident at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio has resulted in the deaths of two students, prompting an investigation and a wave of grief across the campus community. The incident, which occurred Monday afternoon, is believed to be linked to a potential vehicle malfunction.
The victims have been identified as Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, of Downington, Pennsylvania. According to university officials, the two students were discovered inside a vehicle in the parking lot of the St. Agnes Residence Hall shortly after noon.
Initial findings suggest the deaths may be related to vehicle exhaust or an engine malfunction, though the Steubenville Police Department is conducting a full investigation. A local law enforcement official stated that, at this stage, no foul play is suspected.
“We grieve the loss of two young lives, and our hearts ache for thier families, friends, classmates, professors, and all who knew and loved them,” saeid Father Dave Pivonka, President of Franciscan University, in a statement released to the community.
The university is providing extensive support to students, faculty, and staff grappling with the sudden loss. Counselors and friars are available in residence halls and at the J.C. williams Center to offer grief counseling and emotional support. University leadership strongly encourages anyone struggling with the news to utilize these resources or reach out to trusted individuals.
Parents with questions are directed to contact Kim King, Vice President of Student Life, at [email protected] or 740-283-6490.
In a exhibition of respect and shared mourning, all campus events scheduled for Monday evening were canceled. Rather,the university community gathered for a Holy Hour and Rosary at 7:00 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel, offering prayers for the deceased students and their loved ones.
Father Pivonka’s full statement reads:
“It is indeed with great sadness that I share with you the passing of two of our students, Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, of Downington, Pennsylvania. Luke and Mary were found inside a motor vehicle shortly after noon today in the parking lot of St. Agnes Residence Hall. The Steubenville Police Department is investigating.At this time, early indicators suggest this was a tragic accident related to a potential vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction. This news brings profound sorrow to our entire Franciscan University community. We grieve the loss of two young lives, and our hearts ache for their families, friends, classmates, professors, and all who knew and loved them. Please know that we are holding Luke and Mary, and all who mourn them, close in prayer, asking the Lord for comfort, mercy, and peace.In moments such as this, it is especially crucial that we care for one another. Counselors and friars are being made available to our students in their residence halls and at the J.C.Williams Center.I strongly encourage anyone who is struggling, grieving, or in need of support to make use of these resources and to reach out to a trusted friend, faculty member, or staff member. We invite parents who may have questions to contact kim King, vice president of Student Life, at [email protected] or 740-283-6490. Out of respect for our students and in recognition of our shared grief, all campus events scheduled for this evening are cancelled. Instead, I invite our entire community to come together in prayer. We will gather for a Holy Hour and Rosary tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel to place Luke and Mary into the loving hands of our Lord and to ask for his consolation for our community. Let us remain united in faith, hope, and charity, carrying one another through this time of sorrow. May Christ, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus and who conquered death through his Resurrection, be our strength and our peace. Please join us in continuing to pray for Luke and Mary, and for all who are grieving their loss.”
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the precise cause of the incident. The Franciscan University community is asked to keep Luke, Mary, and their families in their thoughts and prayers during this tough time.
