Dickinson State University mourns the loss of three students.

For those of you who have been watching local and national news as of lately, then I am sure that you have heard of the tragic story of the three softball players from Dickinson State University. For those are unfamiliar with the story, I will fill you in.

On Sunday, three members of the Dickinson State University softball team, Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of San Diego; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba went missing. They were reported to have called a friend requesting help and saying something about water. The friend called 911 and search began. Police searched a 30 mile radius of the cell phone tower that received that phone call, and originally thought the girls were somewhere near a lake south of Dickinson, North Dakota.

On Tuesday, the three individuals were found. "Stark County Sheriff Clarence Tuhy said the women's SUV was found resting on its wheels Tuesday in about 10 feet of water hidden by tall grass, with the doors and windows closed," according to ESPN.com. A dog was also found in the vehicle.

"Police Lt. Rod Banyai said authorities do not expect autopsy results for a week or two. The autopsies will help determine the exact cause of death and whether the women were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Authorities have said there is no indication they were. The North Dakota Highway Patrol also will examine the 1997 Jeep Cherokee to determine if the vehicle malfunctioned, Banyai said" again according to ESPN.com.

These tragic deaths were a sharp reminder to members of the Valley City State University softball team of last spring when their own Sara Gullickson went into a lake outside of Jamestown, North Dakota. Although their story had a happy ending, it was still a very difficult time that is vividly remembered.

Also, members of the VCSU team were former teammates and were still very close friends, so they are having a difficult time with this as well. Many individuals at VCSU and softball team members have sent out their condolences to the family and friends of these three individuals. There is even a Facebook page set up in remembrance of the individuals.

The truth of the matter is, we do not know what will happen the next day, hour, or even minute, so make sure that you let your loved ones know how much they mean to you and how much you appreciate them, because you never know if they will be with you tomorrow.

R.I.P. Kyrstin, Afton, and Ashley