LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A University of Kentucky student is among the victims following a Halloween gathering turned tragedy in South Korea leaving more than 150 dead.
Anne Gieske, a junior nursing student, died during a traditional celebration in Seoul Saturday night, according to a news release from UK President Eli Capiluto.
He said Gieske was studying in South Korea this semester with an education abroad program.
Back here at home friends and family are mourning the loss of Anne Gieske.
She was set to begin the nursing program in 2023.
Gieske always volunteered and had a huge involvement on campus including the Catholic Newman Center.
Her professors say she had exceptional grades and was always willing to help other students.
She even had a big heart and love for the Korean culture which is why she decided to study abroad in South Korea.
Gieske had an entire Instagram page showing her adventures abroad.
Janie Heath, School of Nursing dean, said she will be missed by her peers and professors.
"We had the opportunity of course to see what a stellar academic record that she had. It was just exquisite, her academic performance was just nothing short of extraordinary to include all of the service that she provided to the university on a number of extracurricular activities and organizations that she belonged to, "said Heath.
Anne Marie's parents released a statement. It reads in part, "We are completely devastated and heartbroken over the loss of Anne Marie. She was a bright light loved by all. Anne's final gift to us was dying in the state of sanctifying grace. We know we will one day be reunited with her in God's kingdom."
Gieske was the niece to Ohio Congressman Brad Wenstrup.
He released a statement saying, "Monica and I, and our entire family, are grieving the loss of our niece Anne Marie Gieske. She was a gift from god to our family. We loved her so much."
Details are still unfolding on what exactly happen, but witnesses told authorities the crowd surge in the Itaewon area caused a “hell-like” chaos as people fell on each other “like dominoes.” More than 100,000 people reportedly gathered for the event and the crowd surged at some point into a crush of people.
Victims were described as “bleeding from their noses and mouths while being given CPR.”
Itaewon is known as Seoul’s marquee Halloween destination for its bars, clubs and restaurants. It was also home to former U.S. military forces before they moved from the capital in 2018.
Capiluto said the university has been in contact with Gieske’s family and said they will “provide whatever support they can – now and in the days ahead – as they cope with this indescribable loss.”
"We will be there for those in our community who knew and loved Anne. We also have nearly 80 students from South Korea at UK — members of our community — who will need our support," he said.
UK did confirm they had two other students and a faculty member in South Korea. Capiluto said they have been contacted and are safe.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.