Three students at Carleton College in Minnesota died in a car crash on on Friday, the New York Daily News reported.
Five students in total were driving in a sports utility vehicle when the icy road conditions forced the driver to lose control of the wheel, crashing into an oncoming semitrailer, Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said at a news conference on Saturday.
Authorities identified James P. Adams, 20, of St. Paul, Minn.; Paxton M. Harvieux, 21, of Stillwater, Minn.; and Michael D. Goodgame, 20, of Westport, Conn. as the victims.
"Obviously, this is a horrible tragedy for the families involved," Roeske said.
Additionally, William Sparks, 20, of Evanston, Ill., who was driving, and Conor J. Eckert, 19, of Seattle, were seriously injured in the crash. The driver of the semitrailer was not hurt.
According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, the students were part of the university's ultimate frisbee team, which finished third in the country last year.
Eric Sieger, director of media relations at the school, said a prayer vigil was scheduled on Saturday morning.
Carleton President Steven G. Poskanzer released a statement regarding the tragic accident on Friday.
"The collective Carleton soul aches for the loss of these three young men. Right now, we need to focus all our love and compassion on supporting the families and friends of all these young men, along with everyone in our community who cares for them," Poskanzer said.
Roeske added that the dangerous conditions on the road, due to snow and ice, is exactly what police have been warning residents about.
"Although it seems like white noise because we talk and talk and talk about it, this is specifically the kind of situation we're trying to prevent," Roeske said.
