Two U.S. college students have been found dead in a parking lot.
A pair of college students in Ohio were found dead this week, according to local police. The students were found dead in a horrific scene. They were found dead inside of a vehicle in the rear of a parking lot behind a residence hall.
The students, who have been identified as Luke Reimer, 20, of Indian Shores, Florida, and Mary Mich, 20, from Downingtown, Pennsylvania, were found dead inside of the car. They were attending Franciscan University.
University President Rev. Dave Pivonka announced the deadly 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.
A cause of death has since been determined.
The two students are believed to have died from carbon monoxide poisoning. The deaths were ruled accidental in nature and likely due to a fault in the car's exhaust system.
"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.
A minor issue can often cause a major problem, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
"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," they say.