Ian Brunner, a 22-year-old mechanical engineering graduate from the University of Dayton, died in a terrible accident just hours after getting his degree
This turned what should have been a happy day of graduation into a day of great sadness and grief. In a terrible accident, the young student’s bright future was cut short when his car ran over him and killed him.
Who is Ian Brunner University of Dayton graduate killed in car accident, bio, age and obituary
On Sunday, May 7, an accident happened when the jack holding up Ian’s car suddenly broke. This caused the car to fall on him. Around 7 p.m., someone called 911 to the Montgomery County Regional Dispatch Centre and told them to send help to Irving Avenue in Dayton.
Ian Brunner, 22, was working underneath his vehicle when the car fell on top of him, with his jack stuck underneath. https://t.co/0HUSJQvOqs
— WPXI (@WPXI) May 9, 2023
The caller told the dispatchers in a panic, “A car fell on a kid, and this jack fell out from under him. He’s stuck under the car and isn’t moving. We need help as soon as possible. Like fast!” Ian Brunner was declared dead at the scene, even though first responders got there quickly.
Remembering Ian Brunner, Graduate with a passion for engineering
Ian Brunner was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Earlier that day, he and his fellow graduates had celebrated their accomplishments at the University of Dayton’s graduation programme. He was said to be a hard-working, bright person who did well not only in school but also in many extracurricular activities.
Ian took part in track and field, cross-country running, skiing and robots while he was in college. He was an active part of the Mars Rover Team and Makerspace robotics teams and the Motor Sports Club at his school. Ian Brunner’s interest in engineering and creativity went beyond campus. He had a YouTube page called “Things I Build,” where he showed off his projects. His channel had over 900 subscribers, even though it only had three movies.
Ian had also worked as a Research Engineer Intern at HarbisonWalker International in Pittsburgh from May to August 2022. This gave him professional training in addition to his academic work. His LinkedIn page showed a homemade go-kart, a supersonic air cannon, and a 1994 Mazda Miata as three of his most impressive projects.
University of Dayton mourns the tragic loss of Ian Brunner
The sad news that Ian Brunner had died too soon shocked and upset everyone at the University of Dayton. During a memorial service, Crystal Sullivan, who is in charge of Campus Ministry, gave her apologies and talked about how different the beginning and end of the day were.
In a statement, the University of Dayton sent their condolences and thoughts to Ian’s family, friends, and the whole campus community. They told students that the dean of students’ office, campus pastors, housing and residence life, and counselling staff were all there to help.
As the town of Sewickley, Pennsylvania, mourns the loss of Ian Brunner, plans are being made for a mass to be held in his honour on May 13th. The terrible accident is a powerful reminder of how fragile life is and how important it is to enjoy every moment.