Tragedy Strikes Franciscan Team
One dead and six injured in accidentBy DAVE GOSSETT
STEUBENVILLE - A sophomore on Franciscan University of Steubenville's cross country team was killed Tuesday, and six of her teammates were injured, in a single-vehicle accident on U.S. 22 near the West Virginia-Pennsylvania border.
A university spokesman confirmed late Tuesday that Kelly Roggensack was pronounced dead at the scene. According to information from area hospitals, the six other students' injuries do not appear to be serious.
"I was deeply saddened to learn of Kelly's tragic death," said the Rev. Terence Henry, TOR, university president. "The entire university family mourns her loss and is praying for the repose of her soul and for the consolation of her family and friends."
The 33-member team was returning from practice at Robinson Montour Trail, near Imperial, Pa., when the accident occurred on U.S. 22 east of Weirton.
Roggensack, a political science and business major, had returned to campus last weekend for pre-season training with the Franciscan Baron cross-country team.
The university's Franciscan priests and Student Life staff began providing pastoral support and counseling services to those who were injured and to their teammates and other students Tuesday and will continue to do so today, according to the spokesman.
The Rev. Dominic Foster, TOR, of Chapel Ministries led a prayer service late Tuesday in Christ the King Chapel for Kelly Roggensack and all those involved in the accident.
Pennsylvania State Police investigated the accident but declined to release any details at press time.
