A Mississippi State University student died after falling at least 20 feet from one of Davis Wade Stadium’s video boards early Saturday.
MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter confirmed junior environmental economics and management major Andrew Scott Demboski, 21, of Ocean Springs, died near the M-Club building.
Coroner Michael Hunt said the incident occurred after Demboski fell from the video board located on the side of the stadium adjacent to the Junction.
Demboski fell from the structure onto a breezeway, he said, and the location of the incident hampered efforts to reach the victim.
Starkville Fire Chief Charles Yarbrough said firefighters used high-angle rescue techniques to reach Demboski since the victim was located out of a ladder truck’s 100-foot reach.
Hunt said Demboski was pronounced dead at the scene.
“Everything was done that could have been done,” Hunt said. “It’s a very unfortunate and tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”
Salter said MSU and county officials are investigating the incident and would provide no additional comment on the matter until Monday.
“Our campus is saddened by this loss on the day of Spring Commencement, and we all mourn Andrew’s passing and are keeping his family in our prayers.”
Carl Smith covers Starkville and Oktibbeha County for The Dispatch. Follow him on Twitter @StarkDispatch
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