Ben Johnson, the OSU spokesperson, emphasized the university's commitment to providing support during this difficult time, stating, "We will make counseling and other support resources available for anyone affected by the incident." This gesture underscores the university's dedication to its community's well-being.
Authorities, including the Franklin County coroner's office, are actively working to identify the victim and ascertain the circumstances leading to the tragic event. A local police officer's distress call at approximately 12:30 p.m., requesting medical assistance at Gate 30 of the stadium, sheds light on the urgency of the situation. According to reports from the Columbus Dispatch, the incident took place while students were entering the stadium, before the commencement speeches and diploma collection commenced.
Witnesses recounted the somber scene as the last graduates made their way past the area where the fall occurred. The visible distress among attendees and onlookers underscores the gravity of the situation. Despite the shocking turn of events, the commencement ceremony continued uninterrupted. Video footage of the live stream reveals the solemn atmosphere, with no mention of the incident during the three-hour-long event.
Social media responses from the university community reflect a mix of shock and condolences. While the incident wasn't acknowledged on official university channels, such as Instagram, individuals expressed their sympathies in the comments section of graduation-related posts. One commenter wrote, "My thoughts are with the family of the person who died at graduation today." Another expressed disappointment, stating, "Heard … someone died. I'm sorry class of 2024, y'all deserved a better day not littered with terrible circumstances."
Melissa Shivers, senior vice president for student life, addressed the graduating class at the commencement ceremony, acknowledging their resilience in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. She commended the class of 2024 for confronting the challenges with "great resilience, patience, and perseverance." The ceremony proceeded as planned, honoring the thousands of graduates who received degrees and certificates.
The sheer magnitude of the event is evident in the number of degrees and certificates awarded – a staggering 12,555 in total. Among these were 306 doctorates, 1,698 master's degrees, 970 graduate professional degrees, and 9,581 undergraduate and associate degrees and certificates. The university's commitment to recognizing the achievements of its students remains unwavering, even in the wake of tragedy.
As the Ohio State University community grapples with the aftermath of this unfortunate incident, the focus remains on providing support and comfort to those affected. The university's swift response in offering counseling and support resources underscores its dedication to the well-being of its students, faculty, and staff. While the commencement ceremony marked a significant milestone for thousands of graduates, the shadow of tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of life's fragility.