Sunday was supposed to be a day of celebration for the Ohio State Buckeyes community as the university held its annual spring graduation ceremony in the historic Ohio Stadium. But the celebratory events were marred by tragedy as a person died after falling off of the top of the stadium during the graduation ceremony.
At around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, a person fell from the stands of Ohio Stadium and was pronounced dead at the scene.
“An individual fell from the stands. They are deceased,” OSU spokesman Ben Johnson said Sunday in the university’s initial confirmation of the death, according to the Columbus Dispatch. “We have no additional details to share at this time. Police and emergency responders are on scene. For anyone affected by today’s incident, we will make counseling and other support resources available.”
Details were limited immediately following the tragic events, but the Franklin County Coroner’s Office identified 53-year-old Larissa Brady as the person who fell from the stadium, according to the Dispatch. Brady’s daughter was listed as a graduate being honored with a bachelor’s degree at Ohio State on Sunday.
It’s not clear whether or not Brady’s fall was an accident or deliberate. Either way, it was a horrible tragedy on a day that was supposed to be filled with celebration, and many people expressed their condolences on social media.
While graduation was going on. So sad https://t.co/yr1Dt2INa3
— Susan S (@sundogoh) May 5, 2024
During graduation…man https://t.co/hemQqWA9nX
— Sarah (@sarah____kent) May 5, 2024
Rest in peace, poor soul
— J of OH (@jampacked321) May 6, 2024
Wow. Somebody’s graduation from OSU was today & they fell off the stadium and passed. That is sickening. Rip to them & prayers to their friends and family 😓
— SHANE 🥂 (@enahsxo) May 5, 2024
Rip the person who fell off the Shoe during graduation 🙏🏻
— MarvMuse (@buckeyefanog) May 5, 2024
How in the world did this happen?!?
Hug your loved ones, tell them how you feel, and do not hold grudges.
When it's your time, it's your time. https://t.co/dbJQVkxuO7
— 15-0 National Champs – Josh Hallock (@JoshHallock1) May 5, 2024
Man, that's so sad 😞 https://t.co/c3h26yCdHD
— Joanne (@vanilla_rice) May 5, 2024
