The Dickinson State University campus mourns three of its own. There will be a memorial service on campus today for Kyrstin Gemar, 22, of San Diego; Afton Williamson, 20, of Lake Elsinore, Calif.; and Ashley Neufeld, 21, of Brandon, Manitoba, students found dead Tuesday, trapped in a vehicle which was submerged in a stock dam near Dickinson. The three had been missing since Sunday evening.

Our prayers and condolences go out to the young women's families, friends and fellow DSU students.

The three were members of the DSU women's softball team which finished third at the NAIA national tournament last season. They have been described by those who knew them as popular and good students.

The search for the missing women drew the attention of people across the U.S. and Canada. The searchers best hopes were frustrated by the rugged western North Dakota landscape. It was an anxious, frightful two days that ended in the discovery of the women's heart-wrenching fate. People everywhere are now grieving.

It's too early to know what really happened to Kyrstin, Afton and Ashley. Answers will come in time, but it's unlikely they will be emotionally satisfactory for those closest to this tragedy.

The three women, their hometowns in California and Manitoba, reflect the broad geographic reach of the university. It is one of the most diverse student bodies in the state. As a result, the DSU community -- administration, faculty, students and Dickinson city residents -- has become a large extended family for many students, especially those from out of state.

Students at DSU are well into the fall semester. The next several months are likely to be difficult, especially those closest to the young women. The university is making counselors available for students who feel the need for help or to talk. For many, it will be the first time they have lost one of their peers; it will be hard. Please, students, take advantage of these offers to communicate and help.

The way forward for DSU will be trying. Better for the students and faculty to dedicate the day-to-day effort going forward to the memory of Kyrstin, Afton and Ashley, than to dispair. It is always so.

Again, our prayers and condolences go out to the young women's families, friends and fellow DSU students.