A University of Florida student died Sunday evening after falling from the upper deck of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium, university police have confirmed.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, 26-year-old Michael Richard Edmonds Jr. passed away as a result of the fall, which happened at the northwest corner of The Swamp. It’s unclear whether Edmonds Jr. was an undergrad or grad student, the Sentinel noted, although the Gainesville Sun reports that he was studying journalism.
While no one saw Edmonds Jr. fall, witnesses described hearing a “loud noise” and saw a man lying on a sidewalk underneath a tree outside the stadium. 911 was called and several of those witnesses attempted first-aid, but sadly those efforts failed.
The incident occurred at around 7 p.m. ET. Police have yet to rule the death a suicide, although UPD spokesman Maj. Brad Barber told the paper that foul play is not suspected.
“If (suicide) is in fact what it turns out to be, these certainly are tragedies,” Barber said.
The Sun reported that Edmonds Jr. was charged with driving under the influence Saturday and released on a $2,000 bond later that afternoon. He fell to his death a little more than 24 hours later.
Our condolences go out to the young man’s family and friends.
(Photo credit: University of Florida)