William Meckling, 21, died in the early hours Saturday morning after he fell to his death from atop the roof of the Joyce Center, which is most notably home to the university’s college basketball teams, school officials confirmed in a statement.
The college senior was set to graduate Sunday with his degree in mechanical engineering. Originally from Colorado, Meckling also participated on Notre Dame’s fencing team.
No other injuries were reported.
According to the statement from the university, students gained access to the roof by climbing up at a relatively low point. It had rained, and precipitation on top of the roof is considered a factor.
Two students notified a campus security lieutenant to the incident about 3:45 a.m. Medics responded straight away, but were unable to revive Meckling.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Billy’s family and friends after this terrible tragedy,” Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., the University president, said. “It is a profound sadness for all of us, on this graduation weekend, to lose someone so young and brimming with promise.”
