UC Santa Cruz mourns loss of 2 former students in Ghost Ship warehouse fire

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KTVU, BCN) - The University of California at Santa Cruz on Monday said two former students were among the 36 victims who died in the Ghost Ship warehouse fire in Oakland on Friday.

Sara Hoda, 30, was a 2009 graduate of the university's Merrill College and graduated with dean honors, according to UCSC officials. She later became a teacher at Urban Montessori Charter School in Oakland.

Cash Askew, 22, was working on an art degree at UCSC's Kresge College from 2012 to 2014, and remained connected to the university after she left campus, school officials said.

Askew, grew up in San Francisco and was a member of the group Them Are Us Too, a Bay Area musical duo that makes textural music, according to the group's Facebook page.

"The scope of this tragedy is difficult to fathom," UCSC executive vice chancellors Alison Galloway and Herbert Lee said in a statement.

They also left open the possibility that Hoda and Askew may not be the only victims with ties to UCSC.

"What is certain is that our community has been touched by this tragedy. Please join us in extending support to friends and colleagues who may need comfort today and in coming days," the university said.

UCSC is encouraging those who need grief counseling to access campus resources. Students can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) at 831-459-2628.

Faculty and staff may seek grief support by contacting Employee Assistance Program at 866-808-6205.