Ohio State: Man Pulled From Lake During Annual Jump Has Died

Columbus police dispatchers say the man was in cardiac arrest when he was pulled from Mirror Lake early Wednesday morning

Ohio State University says a man who experienced a medical emergency died after being pulled from a campus lake where thousands of students had gathered for the traditional jump before the football game against Michigan.

Columbus police dispatchers say the man was in cardiac arrest when he was pulled from Mirror Lake early Wednesday morning. Students annually jump into the lake the Tuesday night before the two universities' football matchup.

Statements from OSU's public safety director say the man was treated at the scene and taken to a hospital, where he died hours later.

Director Vernon Baisden says the university is trying to identify the black male of medium build with tattoos on his left upper chest and right upper arm. Anyone with information is asked to call university police.

“We are heartbroken over this horrible tragedy," said President Michael V. Drake in a statement. "We have tentatively identified the young man as a student and are in the process of reaching out to his family. During this difficult time, counseling services will be made available throughout the holiday weekend for those who seek support.”

The man-made lake is said to be about waist-deep. In wake of the death, Ohio State officials announced they would be banning the jump for years to come.

"In spite of significant efforts taken to make this event a safer one, this tragedy has occurred," school officials said in a statement. "We must come together and acknowledge while this is a student-led tradition that has been passed down through the years, we cannot risk another tragedy. University leadership strongly agrees that we will work with our campus community to end this annual event."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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