A Tragic Loss

State police have released the names of the four young men who died in last night’s plane crash. They are second-year students William Michael Felten, 19, of Saginaw, Michigan, and Lucas Marcelli, 20, of Massillon, Ohio. Also on board the plane were first-year students John Hill, 18, of St. Simons, Georgia, and Abraham Pishevar, 18, of, Rockville, Maryland.

Three of the four—Marcelli, Pishevar and Hill—were members of the university’s varsity wrestling team. Felten and Marcelli also were active in Greek Life on campus.

“We are truly heartbroken about these promising lives cut short,” President Barbara R. Snyder said, “and feel profound sympathy for their loved ones and friends.”

Officials are still investigating the details of the crash; investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are expected to arrive at the scene this afternoon. The plane, a 1999 Cessna, reportedly crashed just outside the Cuyahoga County Airport about 10 o’clock Monday night. Identification of the victims was delayed because the plane caught on fire upon impact.

Counseling and student affairs staff are working closely with the undergraduates’ roommates and friend to provide support and guidance. The University Counseling office is accepting walk-ins all week.