What should have been the happiest day for a college student – his graduation day – turned out to be his last after he was involved in a tragic car accident. 

Ian Brunner, a 22-year-old recent graduate of the University of Dayton, passed away just hours after receiving his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering on Sunday, May 7. According to the police, Brunner was working beneath his car on campus when the vehicle suddenly fell on top of him. A witness called 911 at around 7 pm that evening and reported that the jack holding the vehicle had collapsed, leaving Brunner trapped.

Emergency services responded to the student housing complex and discovered Brunner trapped under his car. Responding officers managed to extract him from underneath the car, but unfortunately, he was already deceased. They pronounced him dead at the scene.

A similar accident occurred in March 2022, also in Ohio. Drew Rinner, a family man, 31, was changing a tire in his driveway when his car fell on top of him, and killed him instantly, as reported by NBC affiliate WLWT.

His wife Marissa, 27, told People magazine that her husband tried to reach the spare tire under the car, but the jack collapsed and the car crushed him.

One of the primary causes of these accidents is the improper use of car jacks or inadequate support systems. If the jack fails or slips, it can cause the vehicle to collapse suddenly, trapping the person underneath. This emphasizes the significance of using reliable and sturdy jacks, as well as ensuring proper placement and stability before attempting to change a tire.

Accidents of this nature often result from individuals attempting to change a tire on uneven or unstable surfaces. Parking on inclines, soft ground, or sloped areas increases the risk of the vehicle shifting or rolling, leading to potential accidents. It is crucial to find a level and solid surface to park the vehicle before initiating any tire-changing procedures.