Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Alcohol not factor in WSU student’s fall from window

A 22-year-old male student survived an 11-story fall from Orton Hall at Washington State University on Wednesday night.

WSU spokesman Darin Watkins said the junior had extensive injuries and was flown by helicopter to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.

“It’s almost miraculous he’s alive, and we’re really hoping for the best,” Watkins said.

The student’s fall was broken by trees along the building, and he landed in the grass. When emergency crews arrived, the student was conscious and talking.

Lt. Steve Hansen with WSU police said the student was in surgery Thursday. His name may be released this weekend after his family is notified.

Hansen said alcohol was not a factor in the fall and no foul play is suspected.

This is the fourth fall at WSU or the University of Idaho in the past month. The other three were alcohol-related, authorities reported.

A 22-year-old WSU student was injured in a fall Sept. 28 from the third-story balcony of an off-campus apartment in Pullman. A 19-year-old WSU student was injured in a three-story fall Sept. 14 at a fraternity. A 21-year-old University of Idaho student was injured in a two-story fall Sept. 12 at his fraternity.