Student killed in car crash on Interstate 70
Steven Ashmore passed away on Aug. 8, after sustaining critical injuries in a head-on automobile accident. Ashmore, a University of Indianapolis junior and biology major, was 21 years old.
The accident occurred in the early morning on Aug. 6, and police believe that alcohol was a factor in the crash. Ashmore’s vehicle was westbound on I-70 east when it struck the vehicle of 19-year-old Justin Markel.
Markel also was seriously injured in the accident. Both men were rushed to Wishard Memorial Hospital following the accident.
A celebration of life was held in honor of Ashmore from 5-7 p.m. on Aug. 13 in Zionsville, followed by a formal service.
Ashmore is remembered by his friends, family and professors as an avid animal lover, a hard worker and a genuinely kind person.
“Steven was a multidimensional student. He loved animals, and art and was a former high school football player,” Assistant Professor of Biology Doug Stemke said. “He will be missed.”
Ashmore
Ashmore was an active student. He worked in the biology department as a student employee, attended a spring term class that traveled to Costa Rica and held an off-campus job at Caribbean Cove Indoor Waterpark.
“He was the kind of student that I enjoyed having in class. He was the kind of student that I really wanted to succeed in everything that he did,” Stemke said.
Although nothing is finalized, Stemke hopes that a memorial grant or scholarship fund can be established in Ashmore’s memory. Stemke offered advice for students coping with the loss of a friend.
“Coping with the death of a friend and classmate takes time. Try to remember what you loved about Steven.”
Ashmore’s death marks the fourth untimely loss of a UIndy student over the past year.
Students who need help coping with the death of a friend, classmate or loved one can go to the Health and Counseling Center on the second floor of Schwitzer Student Center.
Condolences can be sent to:
The Ashmore Family
7909 Ferrell Lane
Indianapolis, IN 46260
