West Virginia University student, 20, dies after fall from parking garage
A 20-year-old West Virginia University student is dead after falling from a parking garage on the Morgantown campus Friday afternoon.
University police responded shortly after 12:30 p.m. Friday to the University Place garage for reports “that a person either fell or jumped from the parking garage and landed on the sidewalk below,” according to campus officials.
Benjamin Pravecek, 20, of Harpers Ferry, W.Va., was pronounced dead shortly afterward.
Police said early indications do not suggest foul play.
“We are grieving today,” WVU Dean of Students Corey Farris said. “This tragedy reminds us how important the love, care and compassion we share with others can be.”
Pravecek was pursuing a degree in business.
University staff is offering individual counseling and a crisis text line for faculty, staff and students.
Anyone with information is asked to call 304-293-3136.
Patrick Varine is a TribLive reporter covering Delmont, Export and Murrysville. He is a Western Pennsylvania native and joined the Trib in 2010 after working as a reporter and editor with the former Dover Post Co. in Delaware. He can be reached at pvarine@triblive.com.
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