First-year College student dies after fall from roof of Physics Building

UPDATE: The University student who died late Sunday night after falling from the roof of the Physics Building has been confirmed to be first-year College student Thomas (Tom) W. Gilliam IV, according to a statement released by Dean of Students Allen Groves at 1:25 p.m.

University spokesperson Carol Wood also issued a statement at 2:15 p.m. on behalf of University Police Lt. Melissa Fielding concerning the incident.

"This was a tragic accident and the University is doing all it can to assist the student's family and friends during this extraordinary difficult time," Wood said in the email release.

According to the statement released by Wood, University officials "do not believe that either foul play or alcohol were involved. Nor do we believe that this was a suicide. Investigators believe it was a tragic accident."

University Police are continuing an investigation into the incident, but they "do not yet know how the student entered the Physics Building and reached the roof," according to the press release. The student's body is currently undergoing an autopsy.

"As with any student death, our first priority is the student's family and closest friends," Wood said.

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