Kamal Ghorui
Two students at Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio were found dead inside a vehicle on campus on Monday afternoon, prompting an investigation by local authorities.The students were identified as Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, both juniors at the private Catholic university. Early indications suggest the deaths may be linked to a vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction. According to The Intelligencer, citing the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning.However, the Steubenville Police Department has not released an official cause of death so far and said the investigation into the incident remains ongoing.Officials said the pair were discovered shortly after noon inside a vehicle in the parking lot of St. Agnes Residence Hall, a women’s dormitory on campus.
Students recently celebrated their first anniversary
Reimer, a men’s lacrosse player who majored in management, and Mich had been dating for more than a year and had recently celebrated their first anniversary, according to social media posts.University officials cancelled scheduled events Monday evening and held a prayer service in their memory. Counseling services have also been made available to students and staff.
What Franciscan University said
In a statement issued Tuesday, Franciscan University confirmed the deaths and said the incident remains under investigation by the Steubenville Police Department.“Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, were found inside a motor vehicle shortly after noon in the parking lot of St. Agnes Residence Hall,” the university said. “Early indicators suggest this was a tragic accident possibly related to a vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction.”University President Rev. Dave Pivonka expressed deep sorrow over the loss.“This news brings profound sorrow to the entire Franciscan University community,” Pivonka said. “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,” he added.The university said counseling services are available in residence halls and at a central campus location, urging students to reach out for support.“In moments such as this, it is especially important that we care for one another,” Pivonka said. “Let us remain united in faith, hope, and charity, carrying one another through this time of sorrow.”Police said officers responded to a welfare check near St. Agnes Hall just after noon on Monday and found two people deceased inside a parked vehicle. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities said an official cause of death has not yet been released.
