HARROWING new details have emerged surrounding the deaths of two Ohio university students found unresponsive inside a vehicle last month.
Luke Reimer and his girlfriend, Mary Mich, both 20, were discovered by police on January 19 inside a gray Ford Bronco Sport parked on the campus of Franciscan University in Steubenville.
The U.S. Sun has seen the police report into Mich and Reimer’s death, which highlights that the couple were aware of the gas issue in the car where they were found deadCredit: Instagram/luke_reimer98
The couple attended the Franciscan University in OhioCredit: Instagram/luke_reimer98
Authorities initially said the cause of death was carbon monoxide poisoning, and foul play wasn’t suspected.
But The U.S. Sun has seen the police report, which revealed extra heartbreaking details surrounding the deaths.
A subsequent mechanical inspection revealed a leak in the vehicle’s exhaust system near the turbo/engine manifold, allowing fumes to escape close to the air intake.
The report also tragically revealed there were startling warning signs weeks before the tragedy unfolded.
Friends told police the vehicle had ongoing gas issues, and that weeks earlier, Reimer and Mich had nearly suffered the same fate.
According to the report, Luke had recently made plans to take the Bronco in for much-needed servicing on January 19, the same day the couple was found dead inside the vehicle.
Mich’s university roommate, Sophia Statz, said the couple often sat in the vehicle for long periods.
She told officers Mich had complained of a gas smell and that on January 8, the pair had “passed out” in the car while parked, waking up later.
Statz told police that Mich complained about the “gas” smell often and that it would “make her sick.”
Statz said Mich frequently smelled of gas and that her clothing would carry the odor after sitting in the Bronco.
She last saw Mich around 10 p.m. on January 18, when she left the dorm to meet Reimer.
The couple planned to attend a game night at the apartment of Mich’s twin sister, Lilly, near Assisi Heights. Statz said Mich typically returned to the dorm around 1 a.m.
Surveillance footage shows the Bronco parking at 9:52 p.m. Reimer appeared unsteady when exiting the vehicle, with Mich assisting him.
The couple remained inside the car, with the lights cycling on and off for several hours, until approximately 1:27 a.m.
On the morning of January 19, Statz noticed the vehicle still parked, its windows covered in snow.
After failing to hear from Mich, she checked again around 12:15 p.m. When the car had not moved, she approached it, discovered the couple inside, and immediately called 911.
They were pronounced dead at 12:28 p.m.
Police reported no evidence of drug or alcohol use inside the vehicle.
Officers at the scene observed Reimer foaming at the mouth and lying across the front seats.
Neither Reimer nor Mich had a pulse when they were found.
Autopsies later revealed a buildup of a “foamy white substance” in Mich’s lungs and esophagus, along with skin discoloration on Reimer’s back and arms — findings consistent with carbon monoxide poisoning.
Reimer was a business major and a member of the school’s lacrosse team. Mich studied theology and catechetics. Friends described the couple as inseparable.
TRAGIC POSTS
In the weeks before his death, Reimer shared several Instagram posts that have since taken on added significance.
One marked the couple’s first anniversary: “One year with the most beautiful woman! I love you.” Another, posted just over a month before the tragedy, was captioned simply: “I’m free.”
His final post showed photos of Mich and his family celebrating Christmas. “Amazing ending to the year,” he wrote.
Franciscan University, a private Catholic institution with nearly 4,000 students, said the loss was deeply personal for the campus community.
“This news brings profound sorrow to our entire Franciscan University community,” said university president Rev. Dave Pivonka in the aftermath of the tragedy.
“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.”
Cops were called to the dorm where the car was parked and found the couple unresponsiveCredit: Google Maps
According to the police report, Mich’s room-mate said she often smelled of gas after spending time in Luke’s carCredit: Instagram/luke_reimer98