By Anna Oelerich | Echo
Indiana Wesleyan University is mourning the recent loss of one of its students.
Senior Vincent Kurtz, 21, died Monday morning at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne after a bicycle accident left him in critical condition. Around 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Kurtz collided with a Toyota Prius on 10th Street and Valley Avenue in Marion.
According to Deputy Chief Stephen Dorsey of the Marion Police Department, the driver of the Prius immediately exited his car to check on Kurtz. Dorsey and his staff performed a breath test on the driver, which yielded a zero. They also performed a vehicle test on the car; those results have yet to be released.
In an announcement on the school's website, IWU President David Wright said a memorial service would occur some time after fall semester classes begin on Sept. 6.
"Indiana Wesleyan University is living out a reminder today of how fragile and precious life is," Wright said.
Kurtz was a biology major from Union, Ohio, who spent the summer in Marion working in the IWU biology department. President Wright also mentioned Kurtz had been working on a research project with one of his professors.
The editor of IWU's student newspaper The Sojourn, Laura Carpenter, said her staff is waiting for further updates before they begin interviewing friends and family. In the meantime, both loved ones and strangers have flooded Kutz's Facebook page with memories and condolences.
Taylor senior Sean Maynor has known Kurtz since eighth grade and described him as witty, motivated and well-liked at their Ohio high school.
"Everyone knew him and found him to be a joyful and funny person to be around-one who would supply a wave, a laugh and a snarky comment at times," Maynor said. He also remembers Kurtz as someone who loved the outdoors as much as he loved people.
Instead of flowers, Kurtz's family has asked that mourners donate to the Vinny Kurtz Memorial Scholarship Fund, which will benefit an incoming senior within the IWU science department.
The Echo staff grieves with Kurtz's loved ones, as well as the rest of IWU, and prays they will find peace and comfort during this time.
"Vinny was a unique and awesome guy to know," Maynor said. "I can't wait to see his wave and smile on the other side."
