STEUBENVILLE, OHIO, — Two students attending a private Catholic college in Steubenville were found dead inside a parked vehicle on campus following a welfare check, authorities confirmed.
Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, of Downingtown, Pennsylvania, both students at Franciscan University, were discovered deceased just after noon on Monday, Jan. 19. The Steubenville Police Department conducted the welfare check at the request of the university, according to Franciscan University President Father Dave Pivonka.
The two students were found inside a vehicle parked in the lot near the school’s St. Agnes Residence Hall, Father Pivonka said.
While officials had not immediately issued a final cause of death or determined how long the students had been inside the vehicle, authorities said there were no signs of foul play.
“Our initial investigation did not show any signs of foul play,” a police spokesperson said, adding that an official cause of death is pending results from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Father Pivonka said early indicators suggest the deaths were the result of a tragic accident potentially related to vehicle exhaust or an engine malfunction, consistent with carbon monoxide exposure.
News of the deaths brought deep sorrow to the Franciscan University community, Father Pivonka said, noting that the university is mourning the loss of two young lives.
He expressed condolences to the families, friends, classmates, professors, and others affected, and said the community is keeping the students and their loved ones in prayer.
Some social media commentary has raised questions about how the students became overwhelmed by fumes while inside the vehicle and whether they were able to exit before losing consciousness.
Officials said they are awaiting final findings from the coroner’s office in the coming days as the community continues to grieve the loss of the two students.
