(OSV News) ─ Police have confirmed to OSV News that two students at a Catholic university in Ohio found dead in their car succumbed to carbon monoxide poisoning, with their deaths determined to be accidental.
Franciscan University of Steubenville students Luke Reimer and Mary Mich were found shortly after noon Jan. 19, according to a statement released that same day by university president Father Dave Pivonka.
The two 20-year-olds ─ respectively from Indian Shores, Fla., and Downington, Penn. ─ had been located inside a vehicle in the parking lot of the school's St. Agnes Residence Hall, said Father Pivonka.
"At this time, early indicators suggest this was a tragic accident related to a potential vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction," he said in his statement.
In a statement emailed to OSV News Jan. 21, Steubenville Police Chief Kenneth Anderson ─ whose department had investigated the case ─ said "there were no signs of foul play and no signs of any drug use."
On Jan. 20, the police department was informed by the Jefferson County Coroner's Office that "toxicology results confirmed both subjects died as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning.
"This was ruled accidental in nature and appears to be caused by a problem with the vehicle's exhaust," Anderson said in his statement.
News of the deaths brought "profound sorrow to our entire Franciscan University community," said Father Pivonka, a member of the Franciscans' Third Order Regular.
"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," he said. "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."
All campus events for the evening of Jan. 19 were canceled "out of respect for our students and in recognition of our shared grief."
The university community was instead invited to gather for a Holy Hour and rosary that evening in the university's 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."
Noting that "in moments such as this, it is especially important that we care for one another," Father Pivonka said counselors and Franciscan friars would be on hand in student residence halls and at the school's 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," said Father Pivonka.
He also directed university parents with questions to contact the university's vice president of student life, Kim King.
"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 Father Pivonka. "Please join us in continuing to pray for Luke and Mary, and for all who are grieving their loss."
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Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News. Follow her on X @GinaJesseReina.
