5 UC students involved in Ky. car accident

Five University of Cincinnati students were involved in a serious automobile accident on Interstate 75 in Rockcastle County, Ky.

The accident occurred at approximately 8:35 p.m., Friday, Nov. 20. At least three of the men involved were injured and are at University of Kentucky Medical Center. Ryan Atkins, 21, is listed in critical condition; Mike Jarvis, 21, is listed in serious condition; John Doerger, 21, is listed in fair condition as of 2 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 22, according to the UK Medical Center spokesperson.

Update on Atkins, Jarvis and Doerger as of 11.23.09

The vehicle, which was traveling southbound, flipped several times crossing into northbound lanes after losing control of the car. Three of the passengers were not wearing seat belts.

All five of the men are members of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity at UC.
The men were on their way to the Gatlinberg, Tenn., area for a brotherhood retreat, said Mark Wood, president of Pi Kappa Alpha. Wood received a phone call from another chapter member; the retreat was canceled and the men returned to Cincinnati. On Saturday, chapter members visited the men in the hospital.

“[The injured are] all in very good spirits,” Wood said.

Two of the men are scheduled to have surgery Monday, Nov. 23; one of the men is expected to be released soon. The names of who was having surgery would not be released out of respect for the family, Wood said.

Trooper Coby Smith of Kentucky State Police Post 11 identified Atkins as the driver of the silver 2003 GMC Envoy SUV.

Kyle Quinn, 19, is at the UK Medical Center and is listed in stable condition. Dan Rehard, 21, is at home with his family, Wood said.

Smith continues to investigate the incident. At this time it is not believed drugs or alcohol were involved.

The Honors Program in the College of Business is collecting photos, memories, letters and notes for scrapbooks for each of the men involved in the accident. Anyone wishing to participate can take items to the Honors Office in the College of Business, Room 103. The scrapbooks will be delivered to the men on Wednesday, Wood said.

“We’re very thankful to all those who have reached out to us,” Wood said. “I’ve spoken to the families and they’re very thankful too.”