Luke Murphy and Suboxone

Suboxone is suspected in the death of UWM freshman Luke Murphy.

He's the second UWM freshman to die in just over a month. Ali Raddatz died on February 21, after consuming prescription drugs and alcohol. Maddie Kiefer, a 15-year-old freshman at Whitefish Bay High School, died of a drug overdose on March 1.

Three people dead.

Is that enough to be a wake-up call?

From the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:

Investigators suspect that a lethal combination of alcohol and a prescription drug - Suboxone - likely played a role in the death of a 19-year-old freshman found dead Monday in a dorm suite at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, according to a university official and a Milwaukee County medical examiner's report.

Suboxone is the same drug that may have been taken by Whitefish Bay teen Madison Kiefer, who died March 1. It is used to treat heroin addiction.

Two UWM students - a man and woman - have been arrested in connection with the death of Luke David Murphy of New London, whose girlfriend found him unresponsive in her dorm room Monday morning, according to university spokesman Tom Luljak and the medical examiner's report.

Both students were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, Luljak said.

The man who was arrested was in custody Tuesday night at the Milwaukee County Jail, according to jail records. The woman was released by UWM police Tuesday but ordered to meet with the district attorney's office, Luljak said.

The students also could face discipline from the university, Luljak said.

It is so sad that a lapse in judgment can have such tragic consequences.

Luke, Ali, and Maddie can't undo their fatal mistakes. There are no second chances, no going back.

May they rest in peace.

After these three deaths, I hope students realize that the unthinkable can happen to them if they engage in risky behavior. I hope they understand that they aren't indestructible.