Ohio State graduation death: Coroner identifies woman who died in fall from Ohio Stadium

The Franklin County Coroner's Office released the name of the woman who fell to her death during Sunday's commencement at Ohio State University.

Larissa Brady, 53, of Georgia, was pronounced dead at 12:25 p.m. at the scene outside Ohio Stadium by Columbus firefighters. The coroner's office identified Brady by her fingerprints.

The coroner's initial release does not say whether her death was accidental or intentional. Police do not suspect foul play or was an accidental fall, Ohio State spokesman Ben Johnson said in an emailed statement.

Who is Larissa Brady?

Brady's daughter was listed as a graduate being honored with a bachelor's degree at Ohio State on Sunday, according to the university's 2024 commencement program.

"Ohio State is grieving the death of Larissa Brady, a family member of one of our graduates," Johnson said via email. "Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this exceptionally difficult time."

Ohio State and its police department have released little information about the death that occurred during Sunday's commencement ceremony.

Following the death, the university contacted all graduates and staff who volunteered at graduation to offer counseling services, Johnson told The Dispatch. Students can call 614-292-5766 and press 2 for immediate assistance after hours, while faculty and staff should call 1-800-678-6265, according to the university.

The commencement on Sunday continued uninterrupted as news of the death spread through the crowd.

University officials, commencement speakers — including social entrepreneur and OSU alum Chris Pan — made no reference to the death during the ceremony. Students leaving the graduation ceremony at the stadium walked past the area where Brady fell, which was still cordoned off by yellow crime scene tape.

If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or a crisis, you can reach Ohio's 24/7 Crisis Text Line by texting 4HOPE to 741741 or call the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Hotline at614-221-5445 or Ohio State's Counseling and Consultation Services at 614-292-5766. The national Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached by dialing 988 or1-800-273-8255/TALK (1-888-628-9454 for Spanish speakers).

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Woman who died in fall at Ohio State graduation identified

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