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STEUBENVILLE, OH — The Franciscan University of Steubenville community is grieving following the discovery of two students found deceased in a vehicle on campus Monday afternoon. (The University issued a statement see below)
The university identified the students as Luke Reimer, aged 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich of Downingtown, Pennsylvania. Their bodies were discovered shortly after noon in a car parked outside the St. Agnes Residence Hall.
Investigation Details
While the Steubenville Police Department continues its investigation, Chief Ken Anderson noted that no foul play is currently suspected. According to a statement released by the university on Tuesday, preliminary indicators suggest the deaths may have been a "tragic accident," potentially caused by a mechanical issue such as an exhaust or engine malfunction. However, police have not yet confirmed an official cause of death.
Support and Community Response
In the wake of the tragedy, the university has mobilized resources to support grieving students and faculty:
Counseling Services: Professional counselors are available in residence halls and at a central campus location.
Spiritual Support: The university has called for prayers for the Reimer and Mich families, asking for "comfort, mercy, and peace."
Peer Care: Officials are urging students to look out for one another and report any concerns regarding friends who may be struggling.
"This news brings profound sorrow to the entire Franciscan University community," the school said in its official statement. "In moments such as this, the community seeks to care for one another by gathering together and reaching out to those who are hurting."
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.
STATEMENT: Important Message From Fr. Dave to the Campus CommunityJanuary 19, 2026
Dear Franciscan University Community,
It is with great sadness that I share with you the passing of two of our students, Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, of Downington, Pennsylvania.
Luke and Mary were found inside a motor vehicle shortly after noon today in the parking lot of St. Agnes Residence Hall. The Steubenville Police Department is investigating. At this time, early indicators suggest this was a tragic accident related to a potential vehicle exhaust or engine malfunction.
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.
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.
We invite parents who may have questions to contact Kim King, vice president of Student Life, at kking@franciscan.edu or 740-283-6490.
Out of respect for our students and in recognition of our shared grief, all campus events scheduled for this evening are cancelled. Instead, I invite our entire community to come together in prayer. We will gather for a Holy Hour and Rosary tonight at 7:00 p.m. in Christ the King Chapel to place Luke and Mary into the loving hands of our Lord and to ask for his consolation for our community.
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.
Please join us in continuing to pray for Luke and Mary, and for all who are grieving their loss.
In Christ,
Father Dave Pivonka, TOR
President
Franciscan University of Steubenville
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