The University of Central Missouri is planning a gathering in support of three university students who were involved in a fatal motor vehicle accident Saturday, June 25, in Kansas City. The vigil will take place at 5 p.m. Thursday, June 30, in the UCM Alumni Chapel. The vigil is open to the public.

UCM student Tu’iemanu Ripley, a biology major, died during the accident, and the other two students,  whose names have not yet been released, are in serious condition. Another individual in the same vehicle, Caleb Lugano, of Overland Park, Kansas, who is not a student, also died.

The one-car accident occurred before 11:30 p.m. at the I-435 overpass near Gregory Boulevard.

“The University of Central Missouri is deeply saddened by the loss of two young lives that took place during this tragic incident,” said UCM President Charles Ambrose in a written statement. “As a close-knit community, we are keeping the families and friends of these individuals and the two young women who were seriously injured in our thoughts and prayers. Members of the university CARE Team will be working together to provide assistance and support for individuals affected by this tragic event.”

The vigil is being coordinated by the UCM women’s rugby club, UCM’s Army ROTC program, and the Office of Student Experience and Engagement.