Daniel Modic, a Saint Louis University freshman in the School of Nursing, died as the result of an automobile accident on May 15. He was 19 years old.
On May 19, the University community was notified of Modic’s death by an e-mail sent by Kent Porterfield, Ed.D., vice president of student development.
Three passengers with Modic were released from the hospital in the days following the accident, Director of Campus Ministry Lisa Reiter said.
Reiter traveled with Dean of Students Scott Smith, Ph.D., to Modic’s funeral in Brecksville, Ohio. Reiter said that the two made the trip to show support for Modic’s family, including his sister, Anna, and brother, Mark, who are both recent SLU graduates.
Alex Joyce, executive vice president of the Student Government Association, went to high school with Modic in Cleveland and spent time with him at SLU as a fraternity brother in Phi Delta Theta.
Joyce recalled several examples of Modic’s good-humored demeanor, calling him a “jokester” who “always kept people laughing.”
SLU’s Jesuit mission was a perfect fit for Modic, Joyce said: “He was definitely a man for others . he was a good Catholic, did a lot of service . he was one of those guys you could always turn to.”
Sophomore and fellow Phi Delt, John Eppensteiner, met Modic in Clemens Hall and was planning to live with him this year. Eppensteiner said that Modic was the first good friend he made at SLU. “Once I got to know him [in our fraternity], I knew right away that I would be friends with him,” Eppensteiner said.
Eppensteiner said that Modic had “a group of friends from every corner of SLU,” thanks to his participation in the School of Nursing, his work as a fraternity brother and connections to upperclassmen through his brother, Mark.
Modic was also interested in helping children through the Big Brothers of America program this year by spending time with boys that his brother, Mark, mentored last yeat, Eppenstein said.
Amid his many pursuits, Eppensteiner said that one thing seemed to satisfy Modic the most .
“He was really close with his family . [they were] really important to him,” Eppenstein siad.
University resources exist to help students deal with grief.
“Campus ministers are always available,” said Reiter, “as are counselors. If we need to do it long distance over the phone, we’ll do it long distance over the phone.”
Reiter said that a memorial Mass for Modic will be held at SLU this fall, at the request of his fraternity brothers.
