Two students were tragically discovered deceased inside a car at Franciscan University, shortly after midday on Monday. The confirmation came from Steubenville Police Chief Kenneth Anderson and a statement issued by the university’s president, Rev. Dave Pivonka.
The students, identified as Luke Reimer, 20, from Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, were found in a vehicle parked behind St. Agnes Residence Hall.
“This heartbreaking news deeply affects our entire Franciscan University community. We mourn the loss of these young lives and extend our heartfelt condolences to their families, friends, classmates, professors, and everyone who cherished them. We are keeping Luke and Mary, along with all who grieve their loss, in our prayers, seeking comfort, mercy, and peace from the Lord,” expressed Pivonka in his statement.
The deaths of Luke Reimer and Mary Mich were later deemed accidental by the police, attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning inside the parked vehicle at Franciscan University of Steubenville.
Steubenville Police Chief Anderson explained to Fox News Digital that officers arrived at 1505 University Boulevard in response to concerns about the well-being of two individuals inside a vehicle. Upon arrival, both individuals were confirmed deceased.
“There were no indicators of foul play or drug use,” Anderson confirmed.
On Tuesday, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office notified the Steubenville Police Department “that toxicology results confirmed both subjects died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning,” added Anderson.
The student deaths were ruled accidental in nature and likely due to a problem with the vehicle’s exhaust, according to the police chief.
The university said in a statement to Fox News Digital, “While this information may bring some clarity, it does not lessen the profound grief we feel at the loss of two beloved members of our Franciscan family.”
Steubenville police confirm two students are found dead inside a vehicle at Franciscan University of Steubenville, prompting the school to cancel events and offer counseling services. (Instagram/ luke_reimer98)
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “A small leak in the exhaust system can lead to a buildup of CO inside the car… If you drive a car or SUV with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate open the vents or windows to make sure air is moving through. If only the tailgate is open, CO from the exhaust will be pulled into the car or SUV.”Â
As a result of the deaths, the university canceled campus events on Monday, encouraging students who are grieving to reach out to counselors and friars who are available at residence halls and the J.C. Williams Center.
The school gathered for a “Holy Hour and Rosary” at 7 p.m. Monday, according to the statement.Â
Two students were found dead inside a vehicle in a campus parking lot. (Instagram/ luke_reimer98)
“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,” said Pivonka.
