19-Year-Old College Freshman Plummets 10 Stories To Death During Halloween Party

A college freshman has died after taking a 10-story plunge from an apartment building during a Halloween party.

Joia Simpson, 19, a student at the University of St. Thomas Minneapolis in Minnesota was killed after falling from a party at an apartment complex in Dinkytown, a statement from the University announced.

Simpson was only beginning her life.

“Joia was a native of Bayside, California, and was interested in studying business,” the school stated. “Her family most wants people to remember her beautiful smile.”

What happened to Simpson remains under investigation, Minneapolis Fire Department Assistant Chief Bryan Tyner told the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. He told the publication that she fell over two side-by-side railings. Authorities were called to the scene before 1 a.m. where she was pronounced dead. Police interviewed about seven young people who were at the party after the fall, the Star Tribune reports.

Rev. Larry Blake, chaplain and director of St. Thomas’ Campus Ministry, said the community is reeling.

“This is a difficult time for them,” Blake told the Star Tribune, referencing the teen’s friends. “They are devastated.”

In the school press release, the school noted that “tragedy has struck our St. Thomas community, again.”

Only two weeks ago, another student, Katherine Mullen, was found dead in her dorm room, according to Star Tribune. Her death is not being considered suspicious by police.

Blake said the students are comforting each other in the midst of the tragedies.

“I am grateful we have such a supportive community here,” Blake told the Star Tribune. “Students caring about one another, faculty and staff who care for the students, but also one another as colleagues.”

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