University of Kentucky student dies in Seoul Halloween crush

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A University of Kentucky student who was finding out in South Korea was one of greater than 150 folks killed when an enormous Halloween social gathering crowd surged right into a slender alley in a nightlife district in Seoul, the college mentioned Sunday.

Anne Gieske, a nursing student from northern Kentucky, died in the crush of folks in the Itaewon space of Seoul on Saturday evening, University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto mentioned in an announcement posted on the college’s web site.

Gieske was finding out in South Korea this semester with an training overseas program, Capilouto mentioned. The college additionally has two different college students and a college member there, however they’ve been contacted and they’re protected, he mentioned.

“We have been in contact with Anne’s family and will provide whatever support we can — now and in the days ahead — as they cope with this indescribable loss,” the assertion mentioned.

The college is situated in Lexington, Kentucky. The college has supplied on-line and telephone assets for college students who’re grieving, together with the companies of a psychological well being clinician. The college has almost 80 college students from South Korea, the assertion mentioned.

“As a community, it is a sacred responsibility we must keep — to be there for each other in moments of sheer joy and in those of deepest sadness,” Capilouto mentioned. “That is what compassionate communities do.”

It remained unclear what led the group to surge into the downhill alley, and authorities promised a radical investigation. Witnesses mentioned folks fell on one another “like dominoes,” and a few victims have been bleeding from their noses and mouths whereas being given CPR.