WSU student critically injured in fall from balcony

A Washington State University student suffered serious head injuries after falling from a second-floor balcony during a party Friday night, marking the third time someone has fallen from a College Hill residence this semester.

Nathan Hopkins, 18, of Davenport, Washington, was reportedly drinking at 1048 NE Monroe St. in Pullman and lost his balance while standing on a bench near the balcony railing at about 9:40 p.m. Pullman police Chief Gary Jenkins said Hopkins fell 11 feet onto a slab of concrete.

Hopkins was airlifted to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, where he remained in critical condition Monday afternoon, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Pullman first responders have grown accustomed to serious falls, most of which involve drinking at fraternity or sorority houses.

On Aug. 24, a 22-year-old man from Hayden Lake fell about 30 feet from the roof of WSU’s Kappa Delta sorority. He was reportedly intoxicated and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

On Sept. 10, a 19-year-old WSU student fell from a balcony in the 800 block of Northeast Monroe Street, landing in a seated position. He didn’t lose consciousness and initially refused treatment, but later called authorities back for a ride to Pullman Regional Hospital.

Last year, at least four students injured themselves in falls while drinking. In 2012, five were hurt in similar fashion, according to newspaper archives.

Jenkins said students should designate at least one sober person at parties “to look out for the others and avoid letting them put themselves in dangerous situations.”