One person died after falling from Ohio Stadium during Ohio State University’s graduation ceremony on Sunday.
An officer sent a call for help over Ohio State University Police Radio around 12:30 p.m., saying, “I need paramedics and some officers at Gate 30 (of Ohio Stadium)… Someone fell off the field.”
“One person fell from the stands. They were killed,” Ohio State University spokesman Ben Johnson said. “We have no additional details to share at this time. Police and emergency responders are on scene. For anyone affected by today’s accident, we will provide counseling and other support resources.”
The site of the fall was surrounded by lots of yellow tape and officials involved, according to Dispatch photographer Doral Chenoweth, who was at the scene.
An eyewitness said: “Impossible, this is unbelievable.” The witness said they saw one person fall, and it happened as the last graduates were passing through that area, entering the field through the tunnel used by OSU football players during OSU home games.
People in the stands and some students at the graduation ceremony were visibly upset, according to Dispatch reporter Jordan Laird, who was inside.
The incident was not mentioned by the speakers at the opening ceremony, including… Chris Pan, a social entrepreneur and Ohio State University graduate. Pan spoke about world peace and Bitcoin, among other topics, and sang the song “This Little Light of Mine.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
