At a Glance
- Two Franciscan University students, both 20, died from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in a campus parking lot.
- The Jan. 19 incident occurred behind St. Agnes Hall after a suspected vehicle exhaust malfunction.
- The university canceled classes Monday evening and offered counseling to grieving students.
Franciscan University of Steubenville is mourning the loss of two students found dead in a car on campus, an incident authorities have ruled a tragic accident caused by carbon monoxide poisoning.
Discovery and Investigation
Steubenville police responded to a welfare check at 12:30 p.m. on Jan. 19 behind St. Agnes Hall on the university’s 1505 University Blvd. campus. Officers found Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, of Downington, Pennsylvania, unresponsive inside the vehicle.
According to the department’s Wednesday, Jan. 21, email to News Of Los Angeles, there were “no signs of foul play and no signs of any drug use.”
Toxicology results from the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office confirmed both students died from carbon monoxide poisoning. Investigators believe a problem with the vehicle’s exhaust system caused the accidental deaths.
Campus Response
University president Father Dave Pivonka informed the campus community in a Monday statement, writing, “At this time, early indicators suggest this was a tragic accident related to a potential vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction.”
Pivonka expressed the community’s grief: “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.”
Out of respect for the students, the university canceled all Monday evening campus events. Counseling services were made available to students struggling with the loss.
Remembering the Students
Reimer and Mich were in a relationship, celebrating their one-year anniversary in a Nov. 1, 2025, Instagram post where Reimer wrote, “One year with the most beautiful woman! I love you ❤️.”
The university honored the pair Tuesday with a social media post featuring their photo and the message, “In Memoriam: Luke Reimer and Mary Mich. Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let perpetual light shine upon them.”
Pivonka concluded his statement with a call for unity: “Let us remain united in faith, hope, and charity, carrying one another through this time of sorrow. May Christ, who wept at the death of his friend Lazarus and who conquered death through his Resurrection, be our strength and our peace.”
Key Takeaways
- Carbon monoxide poisoning from a vehicle exhaust malfunction led to the accidental deaths of two 20-year-old students
- The Jan. 19 incident prompted university-wide grief support and memorial activities
- The campus community continues to pray for the families and friends of Luke Reimer and Mary Mich
