Kansas University Chancellor Robert Hemenway released a statement this morning about a KU student who died Friday evening in a wreck near Olathe.

Cecile Hernandez, 21 and a junior in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, died after the pickup truck she was driving west on Interstate 435 near the junction with Interstate 35 entered the median, struck an overhead sign post and caught fire, according to a Kansas Highway Patrol report.

“This is a tragic loss for the KU community. Our thoughts are with Cecile’s family and friends during this difficult time,” Hemenway said.

KU spokeswoman Jackie Hosey said Hernandez graduated from Olathe East High School. She was a student employee at KU Recreation Services, and director Mary Chappell said her “zest for life and free-spirited talents would be missed and celebrated.”

Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Olathe. A visitation will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home, 105 E. Loula St. in Olathe.