A student died after falling from one of the balconies at Dabney Hall near the Free Expression Tunnel shortly before 4:30 p.m. Monday.
University Police identified the student as Joseph Alexander Banks, a sophomore who studied engineering. Chief of Police Jack Moorman and Major David Kelly said Monday night that investigators have no reason to suspect foul play, but have not yet made a ruling about the circumstances of the death.
“There are still some questions that we are trying to determine through our investigation and through conducting interviews,” Kelly said.
Banks’ body was taken to the North Carolina Medical Examiner in order to have an autopsy conducted, according to Kelly.
His next of kin were notified Monday evening. The City-County Bureau of Identification and University Police are investigating the death.
An impromptu vigil held on the Brickyard Monday night drew more than 200 people to mourn Banks’ death.
Student Government, the Union Activities Board and the NC State Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness are hosting a candlelight vigil to honor Banks’ life tonight at 8 p.m. on Stafford Commons.
Ryan Gorman, a sophomore studying business management, was walking through the Free Expression Tunnel on his way to class when he saw Banks fall from the building.
“He landed about 30 feet away from me,” Gorman said. “I was one of the ones that called 911 and helped with CPR until EMS arrived.”
Gorman said he felt a wave of emotion come over him.
“I was in complete shock,” Gorman said. “I was just walking to class like any other day, and my body had to switch to adrenaline mode real quick.”
Gorman said he thought Banks fell from the fourth floor, but other witnesses who were with Gorman said the student fell from a seventh or eighth-floor balcony.
After the police marked the investigation area, about 30 students formed a prayer circle several yards away from the police tape, near Harrelson Hall.
“As a community, it’s nice to see everyone come together,” said Jennifer Mayer, a freshman studying business. “I have no idea what actually happened, but I have to pay my respects to the Wolfpack.”
Representatives from the Counseling Center spoke with the witnesses who saw Banks fall and encouraged them to come to the center to speak one-on-one, or as a group, according to Gorman. The Counseling Center held open sessions for several hours Monday night in Bragaw Hall, the residence hall where Banks lived.
Avi Aggarwal, president of NC State’s chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, said she was deeply saddened by the event.
“I hope students will realize they are not alone in what they are going through, and there is support for them,” Aggarwal said. “We want to create more awareness about the issue and create a container for whatever people need to do to let it out and create a feeling of togetherness.”
University Director of Public Relations Fred Hartman said on behalf of Chancellor Randy Woodson, “[Woodson] is deeply saddened by this tragedy and sends his condolences to the family on behalf of the Wolfpack community.”
Student Body President Khari Cyrus encourages students to attend the vigil tonight.
“We want to let students know there is a support system,” Cyrus said. “Counseling will be available.”
Classes in Dabney were canceled for the remainder of the day following the incident.
Chief of Police Jack Moorman said anyone at or around Dabney at the time of the event should contact police at 919-515-3000 if they saw something.
Counseling services are available to students who are grieving this loss or dealing with mental health concerns. The Counseling Center is located on the second floor of the Student Health Center and is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday. Sessions are available by appointment, but anyone experiencing an emergency should come to the Center. Emergency Counseling services are available for students outside of business hours, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, at 919-515-2423.
