Fordham University Senior Falls to Death From School's Bell Tower Weeks Before Graduation

A Fordham University student fell to her death after climbing the campus’ famed bell tower over the weekend, just two weeks before she was set to graduate. 

Sydney Monfries, 22, was trying to take a picture of the New York City skyline around 3 a.m. Sunday when she fell 30 feet from the Keating Hall tower, the New York Post reported. 

She survived the fall with injuries to the head and body, but later died at St. Barnabas Hospital, police said. 

"Our hearts go out to Sydney’s parents, and her family and friends — theirs is an unimaginable loss, and we share their grief," Rev. Joseph M. McShane, the university’s president, wrote to students in an email.

"There are no words sufficient to describe the loss of someone so young and full of promise — and mere weeks from graduation.”

Although it is restricted, climbing the tower is a common trend among students who are set to graduate, reports said. 

Monfries was from Portland, Oregon, and was studying journalism at the university. The school said they will award Monfries a posthumous bachelor’s degree.

Fordham officials said they are still investigating how she gained access to the tower. 

A private mass will be held for Monfries on campus Sunday night.

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