Update: Student dies after falling from residence hall balcony

Armando Marin, Online News Editor

A student fell off a second-floor staircase balcony rail in a residence hall Saturday at approximately 1:17 a.m, which resulted in him sustaining blunt head trauma,  the Tulane University Police Department daily activity report states. The incident is classified as an alcohol offense and underage alcohol consumption in the report.

Tulane Emergency Medical Services, New Orleans Emergency Medical Services and New Orleans Police Department officers responded to the incident. Officers canvassed the area, collected statements from witnesses and photographed the area. NOEMS transported the student to Tulane Medical Center for treatment. 

Update: 10:57 a.m.

The student has been confirmed to be sophomore Ben Burlock, according to multiple sources. 

Update: 1:15 p.m.

The incident occurred in Phelps House, according to the official TUPD incident report.

Update: 2:58 p.m.

President Michael Fitts confirmed Burlock’s death in an email sent to the Tulane community at 2:18 p.m.

“I am deeply saddened to share the news about the death of one of our students,” Fitts said. “Benjamin Burlock, 20, a sophomore in the School of Liberal Arts, died after an accidental fall on campus Friday night.”

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