An 18-year-old freshman woman who spent the past two days in critical condition at an Altoona hospital after falling from the window of her eighth-floor Tener Hall dorm room early Tuesday morning has died, Penn State Police said.
From all evidence collected, "it appears to be a suicide," said Tyrone Parham, university police assistant director. Police did not rule out foul play immediately during the investigation.
Thomasson's parents, Patt and Bill, spent the past two days by her side in the Altoona hospital before coming to Penn State yesterday to collect her belongings. They released a statement last night from their area hotel room.
"[We] appreciate the outpouring of love and support provided by the PSU family in dealing with this tragic event," they stated.
Parham said the Blair County deputy coroner notified him this morning that Taylor Thomasson, of Herndon, Va., was pronounced dead at 5:08 p.m. Wednesday.
The deputy coroner, Paul Kerns, told police Thomasson died of "multisystem trauma related to suicide," Parham said. Kerns could not be reached for comment or additional information.
Police found Thomasson at 6:25 a.m. Tuesday lying in a grassy area next to the dorm building.
"Our hearts go out to the family and friends," said Lisa Powers, Penn State spokeswoman. "It's a real tragedy."
Counseling and support services are available to Penn State students who are feeling depressed, Powers said.
"The start of school is always an exciting time," Powers said, "but as people begin to feel homesick or in need of someone to talk to, there is always CAPS."
CAPS, Penn State's Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, offers group and individual counseling, crisis intervention and psychological and psychiatric evaluations for students, according to the Penn State Division of Student Affairs Web site. Students can schedule an appointment by calling 863-0395 or by visiting the CAPS office.
