[Marstudent] Two Ohio State Marion students perish in fire

[Rowe, Lawrence (Wayne)]

To the Ohio State Marion Community:

I am writing with the sad news of the death of two Ohio State Marion students, Lauren Vinson and Zenan Wample, early Tuesday morning. Lauren was a first-year student majoring in Zoology, and Zenan was a first-year student in the Exploration/Business program.  Both were enrolled full-time, and both graduated from Upper Sandusky High School.

A massive structure fire broke out in the early morning hours on Tuesday, February 5th, in an old mixed-use building in Harpster, Ohio, above which the students lived.  Two people living in the apartment escaped but three died in the fire, including our two students.
When we learned of the incident early yesterday morning, the victims' identities had not been officially confirmed by authorities.  This did not happen until the evening, so it was not appropriate for us to share this information broadly until their families had been notified.  However, both students' instructors were notified of the students' deaths yesterday.
As soon as we are able to confirm funeral arrangements and other pertinent information, I will pass it along.

In response to student request, we are lowering the OSU flag to half-mast in honor of the students.

Please know that Leslie Beary is available to consult with students, staff, or faculty who wish to talk about this loss, individually or in groups.  Staff from Student Life in Columbus are available to help us expand these services as needed.  Leslie's contact information is listed below.

Leslie Beary
Mental Health Counselor
Office of Student Life at Ohio State Marion
Maynard Hall, Room 100G
Phone:  740-725-6349
Email:  beary.4 at osu.edu<mailto:beary.4 at osu.edu>

Please keep our students' families in your thoughts as they deal with this tragic event.

Thank you,

Gregory S. Rose, Dean & Director
The Ohio State University at Marion

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