MADISON - Three University of Wisconsin-Madison students are dead after an early morning car crash.

The Dane County Corner's Office identified the victims as 22-year-old Daniel Myers, 23-year-old Lindsey T. Plank and 22-year-old Richard H. Putze.

All three victims were from Madison and killed when their car struck a tree just after 1:45 a.m. Wednesday morning.

University officials say Plank and Putze were seniors majoring in chemistry.

Myers was not enrolled for the fall semester, but completed his degree requirements this summer in music performance.

Madison Police spokesman Howard Payne says alcohol may have been a factor in the crash.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam says the timing of the tragedy is particularly hard just before the new semester begins.

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