Sydney Monfries, a 22-year-old student at Fordham University in the Bronx, passed away on Sunday, April 14 after a fall from the iconic clock tower on the school’s campus, according to the New York Daily News.
According to the university, Monfries was climbing the clock tower at approximately 3:15 a.m. to take a photo of the city skyline. That is when she tripped on a landing and fell 40 feet.
Monfries was placed on life support with severe injuries. The New York Fire Department described the injuries as “the back of her head was smashed in and her vitals flat-lined at the scene, but she was revived.” She also suffered pelvic injuries, according to the New York Post.
“It is with great sadness that I report that Sydney Monfries, a senior at Fordham College at Rose Hill, died today after sustaining a fall inside the Keating Clock tower,” a statement from Fordham President Joseph McShane read.
“There are no words sufficient to describe the loss of someone so young and full of promise — and mere weeks from graduation.”
Monfries was set to graduate in a matter of weeks but will be receiving her bachelor’s degree from the university posthumously. She was studying journalism with a focus on digital technology and emerging media.
Monfries, who is from Portland, Oregon, was with a group of other students when she fell. It is unclear, however, how the students gained access to the tower which is usually locked.
“The student apparently climbed into the clock tower with friends,” Fordham spokesman Bob Howe said. “University officials are investigating how the students gained access to the tower.”
The university is providing grief counselors who will be available to the students that witnessed the fall.
Our deepest condolences are with Monfries’ family and friends during this incredibly difficult and tragic time.