UPDATE: Services Planned for Two Andrews University Students Killed in Automobile Accident

Two juniors at Andrews University, a Seventh-day Adventist tertiary school in Berrien Springs, Michigan, were killed Sabbath morning Nov. 19 in a multiple vehicle collision in New Buffalo Township, Michigan, the school said.

“Austin Currie, a junior engineering major from Illinois, and Chandler Koerting, a junior computing major also from Illinois, were pronounced dead [at] the scene after a multiple vehicle collision,” a statement from Andrews said.

In a Nov. 21 email to the university community, Andrews provost Christon Arthur recalled the close friendship and unique talents of both students.

During a gathering Sunday evening, Currie “was remembered as a fun-loving and deeply caring friend. He was regarded as one of our best [resident advisors], who often routinely spent Sabbath afternoons cooking for friends,” Arthur wrote. He noted Currie’s affinity for shorts and flip-flops, even in the coldest winter weather, brought a smile to those who recalled it.

Koerting, Arthur wrote, “was incredibly kind and sincere. There was depth to his caring. He had a winsome smile that could put anyone at ease.” 

According to a report by WZZM-TV, the crash involved a semi-trailer and two cars. It took place shortly before 10 a.m. “on I-94 westbound near the 2.5 mile marker,” a location near the Michigan/Indiana border.

The report said police are still investigating the incident.

Plans for memorial services have been announced, Frances Faehner, vice president of campus and student life at Andrews University, announced in an email.

A joint service, celebrating the lives of both Austin and Chandler, will take place on Sabbath Nov., 26, at 3:30 p.m. (CST) at the Hinsdale Seventh-day Adventist Church in Hinsdale, Illinois. The school’s Office of Campus & Student Life is sponsoring a 56-passenger bus to provide transportation for students to the service.

An Andrews University memorial service for Austin and Chandler will be held on campus on Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 11 a.m. in Pioneer Memorial Church,.