OU President: Death of 2 Students is 'Devastating Blow' to Community

Less than a day after , OU President Gary Russi issued a statement urging students, staff and members of the OU community to "come together – as we always do in times of tragedy – to help each other through this extraordinarily difficult period."

Jenna Balabuch, of Romeo, and Rachel Ring, of Leonard, were members of the Sigma Tau Delta English honors society, Russi said. They were traveling southbound on Interstate 75 near Clay Avenue in Detroit when they were killed in a crash, according to the Michigan State Police. Both victims were 19 years old.

Fellow OU student Shannon Waite was also involved in the crash and remains in critical condition at Detroit Receiving Hospital, Russi confirmed. Waite is a junior majoring in English, according to a recent article in the Oakland Post.

"It is with heavy hearts that we come together to try to make some sense of the death of two of our students," Russi wrote. "Any death among the Oakland University family diminishes us all, and the sudden death of two young, vibrant students is a particularly devastating blow. It is almost beyond our ability to comprehend such a tragedy."

The university has already made available free counseling services for students, staff and anyone who needs to speak with a professional to help cope with the tragedy.

On Sunday, people can call 248-890-4939 to speak with Dr. David Schwartz, psychologist and director of OU's Graham Counseling Center. Starting Monday, the counseling center can be reached at 248-370-3465.

In his statement, Russi urged members of the OU community keep the families of the victims in their thoughts and prayers.

"Jenna and Rachel have left us far too early," Russi wrote, "but we can honor their lives by remembering them with love, and by providing comfort and support to those who loved them."

Funeral arrangements had not yet been made.