SCHOOL TRAGEDY
Cause of death revealed for Franciscan University students Luke Reimer and Mary Mich, both 20, found dead in car
THE causes of death for the Franciscan University students who were found unresponsive inside a car on campus have been confirmed.
Couple Luke Reimer, 20, and March Mich, 20, were both found dead at the Steubenville, Ohio, campus on Monday.
Franciscan University students Luke Reimer, 20, and March Mich, 20, were found dead on campus MondayCredit: Instagram/luke_reimer98
Their bodies were found inside a car parked outside the St. Agnes Residence HallCredit: Google Maps
According to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office, the college juniors had died of carbon monoxide poisoning before their bodies were discovered just after noon.
Reimer was from Indian Shores, Florida, and Mich was from Downingtown, Pennsylvania.
Their bodies were discovered inside the parking lot of St. Agnes Residence Hall – an all-female dorm building on campus.
The local police department is investigating what happened, but they don’t suspect any foul play was involved.
A spokesman for the university said, “Early indicators suggest this was a tragic accident related to a potential vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction.”
Father Dave Pivonka, the president at the school two hours south of Cleveland, said the student body is praying as they mourn the losses.
“This news brings profound sorrow to our entire Franciscan University community,” he said in a statement on Monday.
“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.”
Pivonka stressed that counseling services are available to anyone deeply affected by the tragedy.
“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,” he said.
Franciscan is a private Catholic university that enrolls nearly 4,000 students.
According to the school, most students focus on religious studies.
Dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning
DRIVERS may not know that carbon monoxide could creep into their cabins without a trace.
However, there are key signs that could prevent a fatal accident.
Prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide can stop the flow of oxygen to the body’s organs.
This often leads to throbbing headaches, disorientation, and drowsiness.
After this, unconsciousness, convulsions, and eventual death can occur.
It’s nearly impossible for an attentive driver to be fatally poisoned by carbon monoxide, but people who are sleeping or impaired in the cabin are at risk.
If there’s an exhaust leak somewhere in the system, inhaling recirculated cabin air could be dangerous.
For this reason, officials say drivers should never sleep in a car while it’s running and the AC is blowing.
Mich and Reimer were remembered as a beloved couple who had many friends on campusCredit: Instagram/luke_reimer98
Reimer is seen with Mich at a lacrosse gameCredit: Instagram/luke_reimer98
