A university in Ohio is mourning after two students were found dead inside a vehicle earlier this week — a loss school officials described as a “tragic accident.”
In a Wednesday, Jan. 21 email to PEOPLE, the Steubenville Police Department said officers were called to 1505 University Blvd. in Steubenville at about 12:30 p.m. local time on Monday, Jan. 19, for a welfare check involving two people inside a car.
“Officers located a male and female inside the vehicle and both were confirmed deceased. There were no signs of foul play and no signs of any drug use,” the department stated.
Police said the vehicle was parked in the rear lot of St. Agnes Hall on the campus of Franciscan University of Steubenville. According to authorities, the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office determined the two victims died from carbon monoxide poisoning, based on toxicology results.
“This was ruled accidental in nature and appears to be caused by a problem with the vehicle’s exhaust,” the department added.
In a Monday message to the Franciscan University community, school president Father Dave Pivonka identified the students as Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Fla., and Mary Mich, 20, of Downington, Penn.
“At this time, early indicators suggest this was a tragic accident related to a potential vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction,” Pivonka wrote.
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“This news brings profound sorrow to our entire Franciscan University community,” he continued. “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.”
Pivonka said campus events scheduled for Monday evening were canceled out of respect for the students, and noted that counseling services were being made available on campus.
“Let us remain united in faith, hope, and charity, carrying one another through this time of sorrow,” he wrote. “May Christ, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus and who conquered death through his Resurrection, be our strength and our peace.”
A post on Reimer’s Instagram account dated Nov. 1, 2025, marked his one-year anniversary with Mich. Alongside multiple photos, he wrote: “One year with the most beautiful woman! I love you ❤️.”
The university also shared a social media post on Tuesday honoring Reimer and Mich, including a photo of the pair.
“In Memoriam: Luke Reimer and Mary Mich. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them,” the post read, in part.
“Please join us in continuing to pray for Luke and Mary, and for all who are grieving their loss,” the message concluded.
