Franciscan University mourns loss of two students after apparent vehicle accident

Franciscan University of Steubenville has announced the deaths of two students, Luke Reimer, 20, from Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, from Downington, Pennsylvania. The university reported that both students were found in a vehicle shortly after noon on January 19 in the parking lot of St. Agnes Residence Hall.

The Steubenville Police Department is investigating the incident. Initial findings indicate that it may have been a tragic accident related to a possible vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction.

Father Dave Pivonka, TOR, president of Franciscan University of Steubenville, addressed the campus community in a statement: “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.”

He also emphasized support resources available on campus: “In moments such as this, it is especially important 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.”

Parents with questions were invited to contact Kim King, vice president of Student Life.

All campus events scheduled for the evening were cancelled out of respect for the deceased students and recognition of shared grief. Instead, Father Pivonka invited the community to gather for a Holy Hour and Rosary at Christ the King Chapel.

“Let us remain united in faith, hope, and charity, carrying one another through this time of sorrow. May Christ…be our strength and our peace,” he said.

Franciscan University offers more than 80 undergraduate and graduate programs on its Steubenville campus in Ohio. The institution emphasizes Catholic values integrated into education with a mission focused on service and spiritual growth (https://franciscan.edu/).