This is ongoing breaking news. This story will be updated as more information is acquired.
Around 11 p.m. Wednesday, the Athens Fire Department and EMS were en route to an unresponsive man at the Athens City Parking Garage, 13 E. Washington St., according to an Athens Police report. The Athens Police Department later arrived at the scene to assist.
Although the Athens County Coroner has not released an official report on the individual’s cause of death, Service-Safety Director Andy Stone said the city believes the individual died on impact.
Stone said cameras are on the top of the garage, and city officials could see the individual climb up to the top and jump. However, the city was unable to respond quickly enough to get to the individual and prevent him from jumping.
Units responded to the incident following a call from an Athens tourist who discovered the scene. Authorities identified the man as a 19-year-old Ohio University student who was found with only a cell phone.
Stone said the city is looking to buy a medical examination tent to use in times of crisis to ensure privacy for the individual and his family.
The Office of the Dean of Students sent a campus-wide email offering immediate processing support from Counseling and Psychological Services for on-demand drop-in discussions Thursday in the Living Learning Center, 111 S. Green Drive, Room 150 until 5 p.m. and Jefferson Hall Library, 46 E. Green Drive, from 6-8 p.m.; Friday, the Counseling and Psychological Services team is offering another session in Jefferson Hall Library from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns, call or text 988 for support or contact the NAMI helpline at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264). Find OU’s mental health resources through Counseling and Psychological Services.
