2 seminarians dead, 2 charged

According to news reports, 4 Mundelein seminarians were driving home from a late dinner early Thursday morning when the driver swerved around a deer in the road and lost control of the vehicle.

Matthew Molnar, 28, and Jared Cheek, 23, both seminarians of the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, were ejected and subsequently died from their injuries. Requiescant in pace.

The driver, Robert Spaulding, 27, a seminarian of the Diocese of Cheyenne, received minor injuries and was arrested for reckless homicide and driving under the influence.

The fourth seminarian, Mark Rowlands, 36, of the Diocese of Columbus, also received minor injuries. A former deputy sheriff, he was arrested for impersonating a police officer and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon after authorities found a handgun and old deputy badges in the car.

Pray for these young men, their families, the community at Mundelein, and their dioceses.

(Hat tip: Amy Welborn and David Cheney)

UPDATE: Catholic News Service provides additional details and reaction.