Woman falls from stands to her death during Ohio State graduation ceremony
A woman who fell from the stands to her death during a graduation ceremony at Ohio State University last weekend has been identified as a Georgia resident, authorities announced Tuesday.
The Franklin County Coroner's Office said Larissa Brady, 53, was pronounced dead at the scene, just outside Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sunday.
An investigation continues into how Brady fell from the stadium, which the school says is 136 feet tall, to the pavement below. However, Ohio State police do not suspect foul play and believe the fall was not accidental, university spokesperson Ben Johnson said Tuesday.
"Ohio State is grieving the death of Larissa Brady, a family member of one of our graduates," Johnson said in a statement. "Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this exceptionally difficult time."
It happened around midday, near the stadium's Bell Tower, as the last graduates were filing into the stadium.
According to the university, 12,555 students received their diploma or certificate in person, CBS affiliate WBNS reported.
The commencement continued without mention of what happened, but some students and others at the ceremony were visibly upset after the fall. A spokesman said the university has contacted all graduates and staff who volunteered at graduation to offer counseling services.
If you or someone you know might be at risk of suicide, there is help. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
