Campus community continues to mourn the loss of first-year student Michael Currin

Photo of first-year University of Dayton business student, Michael Currin, courtesy of legacy.com.

Franchesca Hackworth
Online Editor-in-Chief

Family, friends, members of the University of Dayton community, and the greater Dayton community are mourning the death of first-year business student Micahel Currin, 19.

Currin died after he was injured during an incident in Dayton on Wayne Avenue Sept. 20 around 3:30 a.m. He died from his injuries a day later.

Investigators found that Currin left campus on foot that morning around 3:30 a.m. to pick up a carryout pizza order on Wayne Avenue when at some point on his way there, he accepted a ride from the driver of a pickup truck and was seated in the bed of the truck.

On Sept. 23, university students received an email that detailed what investigators believe happened at the time of Currin’s death.

“Approximately a mile into that ride, Mr. Currin made impact with the roadway after separating from the bed of the moving truck, causing his fatal injuries. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office determined Mr. Currin’s head injury was consistent with falling from a moving vehicle.”

“The investigation revealed the driver of the truck did not stop to report the incident or render aid. A female driver pulled up moments later and stopped to help Mr. Currin and call 911.”

Dayton Police were able to identify who was in the truck at the time of the incident and detectives have been conducting interviews. A search warrant for the truck was also obtained.

While detectives investigate and piece together what happened to Currin early that Sunday morning, members of the UD community and beyond have come together in mourning and prayer.

Campus Ministry held a memorial prayer vigil Sept. 24 on the Central Mall between Kennedy Union and Marycrest.

Students were able to go and light a candle in remembrance of Currin and connect with others who were also grieving his loss.

Private Funeral services were held for Currin Monday at 10:30 a.m. The service was livestreamed for those who couldn’t attend and students, faculty, and staff were invited to watch the service together in the Frericks Center.

Messages of remembrance have been shared on social media in honor of Currin.

A memorial for Currin has been created in the Immaculate Conception Chapel.

The chapel is open each day from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. and anyone can visit the memorial to offer a prayer, have a moment of presence and remembrance, or seek comfort in faith, Campus Ministry said.