The woman who plunged to her death from the stands of the Ohio State University commencement ceremony over the weekend was identified as a graduate’s parent — and her death was likely a suicide, officials announced Tuesday.
The Franklin County Coroner’s Office said Larissa Brady, 53, of Georgia was pronounced dead after falling 136 feet from the Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Sunday. She was identified by her fingerprints.
Police are still investigating the tragedy, but believe it was “not accidental.” Foul play, however, is not suspected, university spokesperson Ben Johnson confirmed to The Post.
“Ohio State is grieving the death of Larissa Brady, a family member of one of our graduates. Our hearts go out to her family and friends during this exceptionally difficult time,” Johnson said.
Brady’s daughter was among those graduating, the Columbus Dispatch reported, citing the commencement program.
The horror unfolded near the stadium’s Bell Tower around 12:30 p.m. as the final graduates filed into the stadium.
Some students witnessed the suspected suicide and were visibly shaken, but the ceremony continued without interruption.
The commencement speakers did not mention the incident, and it is not clear whether Brady’s daughter knew about her mother’s death until after she crossed the stage.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the newest alum reportedly walked past the scene of the tragedy, which was still cordoned off with yellow police tape.
OSU is offering counseling to those in the community in need of support, Johnson emphasized, adding that those experiencing suicidal thoughts should reach out to crisis hotlines.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
