A cause of death has been released for the two U.S. college students found dead in a parking garage this week.
Two U.S. college students were found dead in a parked vehicle behind a dorm residence. The two U.S. college students were pronounced dead upon police arrival. The two students attended Franciscan University in Ohio.
Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, were found dead.
The school's president, Rev. Dave Pivonka, announced the news.
"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," Pivonka said in a statement.
How did the students die?
Official cause of death released Wednesday night
An official cause of death was released on Wednesday night: carbon monoxide poisoning.
"There were no signs of foul play and no signs of any drug use," police said.
The two students are believed to have died from a mechanical error in the vehicle. The deaths were ruled accidental in nature and likely due to an exhaust problem.
"A small leak in the exhaust system can lead to a buildup of CO inside the car… If you drive a car or SUV with a tailgate, when you open the tailgate open the vents or windows to make sure air is moving through. If only the tailgate is open, CO from the exhaust will be pulled into the car or SUV," the CDC says.
The school remains devastated.
"While this information may bring some clarity, it does not lessen the profound grief we feel at the loss of two beloved members of our Franciscan family," the school said in a statement.