The Associated Press

MORGANTOWN -- Five West Virginia University students have died during the school year, now in its final week.

"That's five too many," but six fewer than last year, school spokeswoman Becky Lofstead said.

"When we lose members of the community, it's a loss for all of us," Tom Sloane, associate dean for student life, said Sunday. "Students have a tremendous impact on the lives of others that is sometimes only realized when they have passed away."

Killed since August 2000 were:

--Donald L. Grubb, 21, a senior from Ellamore, in a car crash.

--Matthew S. Lawson, 18, a freshman from Morgantown, in a car crash.

--Lillian A. Devison, 35, a graduate student from Fairmont, of cancer.

--Brian P. Hoban, 22, a senior from Clarksburg, in a house fire.

--Sutan R. Al-Ajmi, 29, a doctoral candidate from Kuwait, who drowned.