22-year-old crushed under car the same day as ‘joyful’ graduation, Ohio officials say

A 22-year-old man graduated from college, then was killed in a “tragic accident” that same day, according to officials in Ohio.

The University of Dayton alumnus was identified as Ian Brunner of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, according to WHIO.

Brunner graduated with a degree in mechanical engineering before he died on campus in “an accident involving his vehicle” on Sunday, May 7, the Dayton Daily News reported.

A car fell off a vehicle jack at the Campus South apartments, crushing the man underneath, WDTN reported. People walking by found Brunner under the car, tried to help and called 911 shortly after 7 p.m.

Brunner graduated from the University of Dayton earlier that day, according to a statement from the school.

“Yesterday graduation day began in joyful celebration, marking the end of four plus years of study and the beginning of the next phase of life for our graduates,” Crystal Sullivan, director of Campus Ministry, said during a memorial gathering. “New jobs, new relationships, new adventures — causes to celebrate.

“Yesterday ended in a tragic accident for one graduate, Ian Brunner, marking the end of his life with us and the beginning of his life with Jesus,” she continued.

“We ask that the community keep Ian’s family, friends and loved ones in their prayers,” the university said in a statement to McClatchy News.

University of Dayton is a Catholic university with about 11,770 students. The university’s Department of Public Safety is investigating the fatal incident.

This story was originally published May 8, 2023 at 2:20 PM with the headline "22-year-old crushed under car the same day as ‘joyful’ graduation, Ohio officials say."