sad news
 

Statement from Dean Of Students regarding Columbus fire

ATHENS, Ohio -- Based on information provided by the authorities in Columbus, OH, it is our understanding that three Ohio University and two Ohio State University students perished in a house fire on 17th Street in Columbus in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 13. It is also our understanding that the families of the deceased students have been notified of this tragedy. We are unable to confirm names or provide any additional information about the deceased until the Franklin County Coroner releases their identities.

This is obviously a terrible tragedy and our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those who have died.

Our Student Affairs staff is in close contact with the police, families and OSU officials, and we will provide updated information to the campus community immediately as soon as it is available.

------------------------------

At least two of the Ohio Univeristy students who died in this fire were members of Alpha Gamma Delta here at OU. No one is sure if the third killed was a member, but people are saying that all three women that were killed were Alpha Gams.

Oh that is such a tragedy. My heart goes out to the family and friends of these students.

How sad! I will pray for them, their families and their sisters.

Today's edition of the Columbus Dispatch mentioned that the two girls were members of AGD, but didn't have an ID for the third girl. My husband works with Christine Wilson's father (not Mr. Dennis as I thought earlier) so it's a sad day for us as well.

My thoughts are with the Wilson family and the other families and friends of those who died.

Christin

May our sisters unite in their grief. I pray for their families and friends, may they rest peacefully in chapter grand.

LIEP
Sarah

What a terrible tragedy. My thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and our sisters left behind.

May they find peace in Chapter Grand.

LIEP,
Maria

I have friends from high school who go to OSU and they knew the two OSU students who died. It's such an awful tragedy and I hope the families are doing ok!

Jess:(

My heart goes out to the families of those killed, and to their chapter members. I can't even imagine what they're going through.

Some information on the fire from today's O.U. Post:

Weekend fire kills 3 Ohio University at OSU

by Michelle Simakis
For The Post
michelle.simakis.1@ohiou.edu


Five college students were killed in an early morning fire near the Ohio State University campus that brought 11 fire engines and 100 firefighters to the scene.

Three Ohio University students and two OSU students were killed early yesterday morning in what fire and police officials are investigating as possible arson. The fire at 64 E. 17th Ave. began just as a 21st birthday party was ending.

The fire started at 4:05 a.m. near the front door of the house, said Mike Fultz, Columbus Fire Battalion chief.

The police have not released the victims’ names, said Brian Carney, Columbus homicide detective. The students’ families have received a preliminary notification.

“The coroner has a good idea who the students are, but wants to be completely sure of their identifications before he releases their names to the press,” he said.

Three others in the house were injured, said Kim Graham, spokesman for Ohio State University Medical Center.

Two of the injured — one of whom was an OU student — were treated and released. One remains in critical condition.

Dean of Students Terry Hogan was in Columbus yesterday trying to coordinate efforts with OSU officials to gather information about the fire.

“We will be reaching out to the students most directly affected and offering support to the families and those suffering from this loss in any way we can,” Hogan said.

Two firefighters also were treated and released for minor injuries at Grant Medical Center, said Peggy Bales, a nursing supervisor.

Columbus fire arson investigators and Columbus Police homicide officers are working together on the investigation and consider the fire suspicious, Fultz said.

OSU sophomore Zack Randol, one of the 13 students who lived in the house, said one of his neighbors called him at 4:35 a.m. and notified him of the fire.

“When I got there at about 4:45 a.m., the whole house was still ablaze,” he said.

Randol said 11 of the 13 roommates have been accounted for and are alive.

About 80 people were at the party that night but started to leave around 3:15 a.m., Police Sgt. Dana Norman told The Associated Press. Between 10 and 20 people were there when the fire broke out, he said.

Fultz said firefighters did not hear smoke detectors going off when they arrived.

“Students there said the smoke detectors were functioning, but one student said he ignored the detectors because they go off all the time and did not act until someone in the house confirmed there was a fire,” he said.

The fire was contained at 5:24 a.m., and both structures’ damages are estimated to be $250,000, he said.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends. What a horrible tragedy.


LIEP,
Nicole

press release from Alpha Gam
 

Alpha Gamma Delta Mourns Loss of Three Collegiate Members
It is with great sadness that Alpha Gamma Delta Fraternity announces that three members of its Zeta Chapter at Ohio University were killed in a tragic fire on Sunday, April 13, at a private residence close to the Ohio State University campus in Columbus, Ohio. The members were:
Erin DeMarco, sophomore, Canton, Ohio
Andrea Dennis, sophomore, Cincinnati, Ohio
Christine Wilson, sophomore, Dublin, Ohio

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of these young women,” said Suzanne Spicer, International President of Alpha Gamma Delta. “Our thoughts and prayers are with their families and with their sisters of Zeta Chapter. We sincerely appreciate all of the support and assistance that Ohio University officials have provided and continue to provide to the women of our collegiate chapter.”

All three women lived in the Zeta Chapter house and were active participants in the chapter. Notes of condolence and cards may be sent to the chapter at:
Alpha Gamma Delta
Zeta Chapter
Ohio University
14 University Terrace
Athens, OH 45701

I read the story in the Cleveland Plain Dealer eariler at my job. my condolences to the family and friends. :(

I learned of this from a friend of mine who goes to OSU. My thoughts are with the families and friends of those who perished.

My condolences go out to the family and friends.

:(

I just recieved an email from my aunt. i didn't realize it but Andrea Dennis was a friend of their families. My chapter is praying for Alpha Gam at this time, and I know every chapter on our campus is doing the same. I think they had received flowers and card from every GLO on our campus by 1:00 this afternoon. Taking the flowers and card to their house was one of the hardest things i've ever had to do.

Now 'tho we say goodbye
Tarry a moment longer
Let each day fleeting by
Bind us in friendship stronger

Though our paths lead over the land and sea
Alpha Gam will live in our memory
Then till we meet again
Remember Alpha Gam.

I first heard about the tragedy this morning and I didn't get confirmation until now that three of the lost were my own sisters. Though I have never met Christine, Erin, and Andrea, I still feel as if something's empty. They're my sisters, and I know that God is taking care of them now in Chapter Grand.

As Maria posted earlier, please hug your brothers and sisters today and let them know how much you care.

this is horrible news.....thoughts and prayers go out to these sister's families, friends, and chapter sisters. i am deeply saddened by this...........

More from the O.U. Post -- Tuesday, 4/15 Edition:

Alpha Gamma Delta mourns the death of three

by Michelle Simakis
Staff Writer
michelle.simakis@ohiou.edu


Locking arms and wearing sunglasses to hide tears, members of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority openly mourned yesterday, gathering on College Green to listen to the announcement that three of their sorority sisters died in a fire near the Ohio State University campus early Sunday morning.

Ohio University officials announced the names of the three OU women killed by the fire during a news conference outside of Templeton Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium. Later, Franklin County Coroner Bradley J. Lewis confirmed that OU students Erin M. DeMarco, 19, of suburban Canton; Andrea K. Dennis, 20, of Madeira; and Christine M. Wilson, 19, of Dublin were three of the five killed in the fire.

The women were OU sophomores. DeMarco was a marketing major; Dennis was a journalism major focusing on advertising management; and Wilson was a retail merchandising major.

Lewis said he has not yet confirmed the identities of the two others in the fire because he is waiting on dental records. But the Associated Press identified them as OSU students Alan Schlessman, 21, of Perkins Township near Sandusky; and Kyle Raulin, 20, of West Chester near Cincinnati.

The fire started at 4:05 a.m. Sunday near the front door of a house on 64 E. 17th Ave. in Columbus, said Chief Mike Fultz of the Columbus Fire Battalion.

Police still have not received confirmation from the fire department regarding the cause of the fire or the possibility of arson, said Sherry Mercurio, public information officer for the Columbus Police Department. The cause of the fire should be verified within the next few days.

The university will help organize a memorial service at an appropriate time to commemorate the deaths of the three women, Dean of Students Terry Hogan said.

“We are offering counseling to students,” Hogan said. “It has had a tremendous impact on the campus, but nothing like the impact it has on the families.”

Members of Alpha Gamma Delta had celebrated Founders Day on Saturday, said Susan Chiki, the sorority’s alumnae adviser who spoke at the conference.

“We were all together Saturday celebrating as a chapter,” Chiki said. “It was a joyous day.”

After the celebration ended, several sorority members evidently drove to Columbus to attend a 21st birthday party, Chiki said.

OU students Jullian Gardner and Jennifer Lehren, also members of Alpha Gamma Delta, were treated at Ohio State University Medical Center after the fire and were released Sunday, Chiki said.

* * * * * *

There is more information, and dramatic pictures in the Ohio State Lantern: www.thelantern.com

* * * * * *

Words fail to describe the sadness and pain caused by a tragedy such as this one -- especially with victims so young.

I am confident that my Brother Beta Chapter Delts who live next door to the Alpha Gams, as well as the rest of the Ohio University Greek community will do whatever they can to help in this terrible time.

May God rest their young souls and, in time, bring some peace and solace to their families, friends and sisters.

DeltAlum

I just read another report which says that two of the three students rescued from the building were also Alpha Gams from O.U.

Thank God for that and for the efforts of the Columbus Firefighters who rescued them.

My heart aches for our Zeta chapter, their loved ones and the OU Greek community :( ... my thoughts and prayers are with them, as are those of AGDs & Greeks all across the continent. May they all be in a better place in Chapter Grand.

liEP,
Jen

News release from Alpha Gamma Delta Zeta Chapter
ATHENS, Ohio -- In addition to the statement released by the university, the women of the Zeta Chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta would like to share our fondest memories of our three cherished sisters.

Erin Demarco was one of the most energetic members of our chapter. Her natural humor lifted everyone's spirits around her. She was a good student who was willing to give the time to help others to excel as she did in her studies. Her sociable personality kept her active in both sorority and campus activities.

Christine Wilson always had a cheery disposition and a smile on her face. Her exuberance was contagious and was sure to brighten up anyone's day. She was voted "best dressed" of her pledge class and she enjoyed keeping up with the latest styles. Her sincere ability to empathize with others was apparent in her everyday interactions and will be truly missed.

Andrea Dennis "Denny" was one of the most active and charismatic members of our house. Despite her petite stature she had a giant heart and quick wit. Her unconditional love radiated continuously as she was always willing to lend an ear and share advice. She was a leader and member of the recruitment team and was looking forward to our upcoming recruitment. Always enthusiastic she kept the well being of the chapter and its members close to her heart.

While each unique sister will be deeply missed we will always keep their memories and spirits alive in our hearts. The families and friends of the three women sincerely appreciate the loving support of the Ohio University community. All of our thoughts and prayers are with their families.

Our members will not be speaking directly with the media and ask that media inquiries be directed to our Alumnae Adviser Sue Chiki at (740) 591-2940, Ohio University's Leesa Brown at (740) 707-2895 or the Executive Director of Alpha Gamma Delta Katherine Kish at (317) 872-2655.

Boy, this strikes so close to home having grown up in Columbus and frequented the OSU Campus scene, and then graduated from Ohio University.

Very Sad.

There are pictures of the deceased women and men in today's Ohio State Lantern online. All great looking people.

I think the URL is www.thelantern.com.

DAMN!!!

I just read another article and the fire has been ruled arson.

My heart goes out to AGD and all that were affected by this tragedy.:(

Looking at their pictures they were all very pretty and from what I read they were great girls. How sad. That picture showing 2 Ohio Alpha Gams mourning, was very sad.

My heart goes out to their chapter. I can't imagine what they are going through... :( :( :(

As usual, I feel like I personally lose a bit of my self with each and every tragidy like this.

I feel this way because of the seepage from my eyes!

May these you ladies rest in peace at The House in Heaven.


If this was arson, may the perpatrators be apprehended.

May they be judged by their peers.

I am so soory to hear of things like this and my heart goes out to All Of The AGD Sisters and the Greek World as a whole.:(

So sad, precious lost. Condolences to all.

Really good coverage in Tuesday's Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cincinnati Enquirer -- both online. Unfortunately, you can't read the Columbus Dispatch without a paid subscription.

can u post the link? Too lazy on this 56k modem to look for it

What a tragedy... :( My condolences.

Arya,

Sorry, I didn't keep them. I just did a Google search on Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cincinnati Enquirer, and clicked on the links there.

Here are the links to both articles:

Cincinnati Enquirer Article

Cleveland Plain Dealer Article

The pictures are too sad for words.

Students at OU are honoring the victims and showing support for family and friends as well.

"The house is full of flowers, and fraternities and sororities have been coming by the house to show their support," said Sue Chiki, alumnae adviser to the Alpha Gamma Delta house.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all involved.... very sad.

May they find peace in Chapter Grand.
LiEP,
Wendi

http://html.nbc4columbus.com/sh/slid...sh18058s1.html
This link goes to pictures of the fire. Pretty scary. This is on the webpage of the TV station I worked for 30 years ago. There are also stories on memorial services and several pics of the five students who were killed.

FYI for anyone close to Athens...

Plans under way for campus memorial service
ATHENS, Ohio -- A campus memorial service for Ohio University students Erin DeMarco, Andrea Dennis and Christine Wilson is tentatively scheduled for noon Saturday, April 26. Details will be announced once the plans are complete.

The three students were among the victims of a fatal house fire in Columbus on April 13.

Those wishing information for contributing to memorial funds for the students should contact the Dean of Students Office at (740) 593-1800 or deanstu@www.ohiou.edu.

I think just about everyone in my chapter is meeting at our house and going together.

This has alot more info about everyone in the house where there were in the house, when they were found, and info about the people that surviveds but were injured.

http://www.trivalleyherald.com/Stori...338829,00.html

Memorial Service...
 

Here's the official Ohio University announcement...

Campus memorial service planned

ATHENS, Ohio -- Ohio University and the campus chapter of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority will host a memorial service for Erin DeMarco, Andrea Dennis and Christine Wilson at noon, Saturday, April 26, in Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on the Athens campus. The university community, family and friends are invited.

The three students were among the victims of a fatal house fire in Columbus on April 13.

Those wishing information for contributing to memorial funds for the students should contact the Dean of Students Office at (740) 593-1800 or deanstu@www.ohiou.edu.


A personal observation for all who might be interested...

It is fitting that Templeton-Blackburn Memorial Auditorium (Mem Aud to us OU people), where the service will be held is literally right across the street from the Alpha Gam house on the beautiful OU College Green -- and nearly everyone who attneds or has attended Ohio has been there at one time or another -- and probably pass or passed it daily. The West Portico of the building has been the seen of speeches by many US Presidents and other major world figures. The interior of Mem Aud was redecorated within the past five years and is elegant and peaceful. There is a beautiful pipe organ (or at least was when I was there).

I hope that the dogwoods on the green are in blossom. There are few university settings more beautiful -- particularly in the Springtime.

The buildings on the green are early 1900 vintage in the Georgian style -- some with white Greek colums and bell cupolas. Daily at noon and 5:00 PM, the carrillon in historic Culter Hall in the center of the green plays "Alma Mater, Ohio." The Alpha Gam house, as well as the Delt house and Bryan Hall which flank the sorority on either side, are similar in archetectural feel. The street that runs between the green and the residences is of old, original bricks -- like the walkways that crisscross the green in several directions.

I know the service will be as beautiful.