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Tragic Carbon Monoxide Incident Claims Two Students
21 Jan
Summary
- Two Franciscan University students died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
- The deaths were ruled an accident caused by a vehicle exhaust problem.
- Campus events were canceled and counseling services were offered.
Franciscan University is in deep mourning following the tragic deaths of two of its students, Luke Reimer and Mary Mich, both 20 years old. Their bodies were discovered inside a car on campus on January 19, 2026. Investigations by the Steubenville Police Department and the Jefferson County Coroner's Office concluded that the students died from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Authorities attributed the deaths to an accidental malfunction with the vehicle's exhaust system. There were no indications of foul play or drug use. In response to the tragedy, university president Father Dave Pivonka expressed profound sorrow and assured the community that prayers were with the victims and their families.
As a mark of respect, campus events scheduled for that Monday evening were canceled. The university also made counseling services readily available to support students, faculty, and staff through this difficult time. Social media posts from both the university and Reimer's Instagram account memorialized the couple and their one-year anniversary.
