WSU student survives 11-story fall

Washington State University confirms a 22-year-old male student fell 11 stories from Orton Hall Wednesday night and survived. A university spokesman, Darin Watkins, said the junior had extensive injuries and was flown by helicopter to 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 on Thursday, but his condition is not known at this time. His name may be released this weekend after all his family is notified. Hansen confirmed alcohol was not a factor in the fall and no foul play is suspected. This is the fourth fall at WSU and the University of Idaho in the past month. However, 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.