COLUMBUS – Ohio State University officials are moving to end the traditional Mirror Lake jump following the death of a student Wednesday morning.
UPDATE: According to The Columbus Dispatch, the Franklin County coroner tentatively has determined that Austin Singletary died of a broken neck. The autopsy, which was done on Thursday, revealed a fracture of the C-5 vertebra, which would lead to paralysis of the arms, legs and diaphragm, causing death, said Coroner Anahi Ortiz.
“In spite of significant efforts taken to make this event a safer one, this tragedy has occurred. We must come together and acknowledge that while this is a student-led tradition that has been passed down through the years, we cannot risk another tragedy. University leadership strongly agrees that we will work with our campus community to end this annual event,” read a statement issued shortly after the man’s death was confirmed.
“We are heartbroken over this horrible tragedy. We have identified the young man as Austin Singletary, a third-year student from Dayton, Ohio. During this difficult time, counseling services will be made available throughout the holiday weekend for those who seek support,” said President Michael Drake (right).
The man was pulled from the campus lake after suffering apparent cardiac arrest while taking part in the annual unofficial event.