MORGANTOWN — One person fell or jumped from the University Place parking garage and landed on the sidewalk below.
Benjamin Pravecek, a 20-year-old business major from Harpers Ferry, died in the incident, West Virginia University announced Friday.
“We are grieving today,” Dean of Students Corey Farris said. “This tragedy reminds us how important the love, care and compassion we share with others can be. We have been in touch with Benjamin’s family and friends to offer our support during this difficult time, and we will continue to provide whatever resources and help are necessary.”
WVU Police are investigating but do not believe there was foul play.
“He was like literally passed out on the ground unresponsive, from what it looked like all the way from my window,” said someone who lives across the street and noticed the person about two minutes before EMS arrived. The Dominion Post agreed not to identify the witness. “I assume it’s a student. It looked a lot like someone I may have known, so that’s why I was concerned and came down here.”
A medical examiner arrived at about 12:50 p.m. and got into a Mon EMS ambulance sitting near the area. The medical examiner then spoke with emergency responders, examined the scene and collected some samples before leaving.
There was a pool of blood in a dirt strip and a small amount of blood on the sidewalk. The Morgantown Fire Department washed the blood away as the ambulance pulled off.
At about 1:15 p.m., University Avenue, which was closed because of the incident, reopened.
Anyone with information that may assist in the investigation is asked to contact University Police at 304-293-3136.
