At least one of the victims from the weekend deadly mass shootings in Texas and Ohio was from western Pennsylvania.
Nicholas Cumer is from Washington County and graduated from Washington High School.
He was a student at St. Francis University in Cambria County but was spending time in Dayton this summer for an internship.
Cumer was only 25 years old and is being remembered as a model student and human being.
Cumer’s family released a statement Sunday:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of our Nicholas in this senseless act on August 4. As our family grieves, we ask for privacy at this time. Thank you.”
St Francis University also released a statement:
A message from University President Fr. Malachi Van Tassell
Dear University Community,
It is with a heavy heart that I share news that one of our students was among the casualties of the mass shooting that occurred today in Dayton, Ohio.
Nicholas Cumer was a graduate student in the Master of Cancer Care program and had completed his undergraduate work with us as an Exercise Physiology major. He had been in Dayton as part of his internship program with the Maple Tree Cancer Alliance.
Nicholas was dedicated to caring for others. He was recognized at the 2019 Community Engagement Awards among students who had completed 100+ hours of service. In addition he was a graduate assistant with the university marching band.
We join the nation in mourning Nicholas, along side all of the victims of this tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and friends during this most difficult time. A Mass in Nicholas’ memory will be arranged on campus this week, and we will share other arrangements as we learn of them.
Counseling staff is available for community members. The Counseling Office may be reached at 814-472-3211.
Sincerely,
Fr. Malachi TOR
President
