FORT MITCHELL, Ky. — Ohio Rep. Brad Wenstrup's niece was among those killed in a stampede during a Halloween celebration in South Korea over the weekend.
Anne Gieske, a graduate of Beechwood High School and a nursing student in her third year at the University of Kentucky, was killed following Saturday evening's incident in Seoul. Gieske was studying abroad in South Korea with an education abroad program, UK's President Eli Cailouto said.
"Monica and I, and our entire family, are grieving the loss of our niece," Wenstrup said in a statement. "She was a gift from God to our family. We loved her so much."
Wenstrup, a Cincinnati native, was elected to serve the people of Ohio's Second Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives in 2012. The republican is a graduate of both Saint Xavier High School and the University of Cincinnati.
ABC News reports that at least 153 people have died and 82 are injured as a result of the stampede — but the death toll continues to rise. More than 100,000 people descended upon the Itaewon leisure district, which is known for its nightclubs, for Halloween festivities. According to witnesses, a large crowd pushed forward in the area's narrow alleys causing people to be crushed and go into cardiac arrest in the stampede.
The National Fire Agency said most of the victims are in their 20s.
Gieske's father, Dan, released a statement following her death:
“We are completely devastated and heartbroken over the loss of Anne Marie. She was a bright light loved by all. We ask for your prayers but also the respect of our privacy. 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.”
Beechwood High School Principal Justin Kaiser reached out to the high school's community and parents via email to inform them of Gieske's death.
"I am informing you, as parents/guardians, that some of your children may be affected by this devastating news," Kaiser said.
Gieske was a member of Beechwood's marching band from 2015 to 2020. She also volunteered with the school's Marching Tigers ensemble during the summer of 2022, Kaiser said. While volunteering, Gieske worked closely with the school's drum majors and clarinet players.
Beechwood band director Austin Bralley said Gieske was the best student he's ever had. He said the band met Sunday night and Monday morning to provide support to anyone who needed it.
"She is — was — one of the very best students that I’ve ever had, the kind of student you hope you get — dedicated, humble, well-liked by the other students," Bralley said.
Bralley said he has known Gieske since she was a toddler, noting her mom was in the band as well as her three older siblings.
“Just a very bright young lady," Bralley said. "She lit up the room. She was magnetic you know everybody loved to be around her. And it was just great to be around her and in her presence because she was just so positive."
Both UK and Beechwood offered grief and counseling services to their communities and students in the wake of Gieske's loss and all others in Seoul.
"We will be there for those in our community who knew and loved Anne," Cailouto said. "We also have nearly 80 students from South Korea at UK — members of our community — who will need our support."
Cailouto said UK had two other students and a faculty member in South Korea as well, and all three have been contacted and are safe.
Bralley said the band plans to honor Gieske in the future.
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