BU Student Dies After Apparent Fall From Building

A Binghamton University freshman died after he reportedly plunged from a building during a party in the City of Binghamton.

University President Harvey Stenger late Saturday afternoon announced the death of Conor Donnelly. The 19-year-old student was from Pearl River, New York.

In a brief statement, Stenger said Donnelly "died accidentally" earlier in the day while off campus. He said Binghamton police are investigating the death.

Police and medics were called to an apartment house at 92 Front Street around 2 p.m. following a report that a person fell from a fourth-floor balcony on the rear of the building. The balcony overlooks the Chenango River with a view toward downtown Binghamton.

Reports from the scene indicated the person had stopped breathing and CPR was being administered.

Donnelly was taken to Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

Binghamton police began the process of interviewing others who had been attending the party at the time of the incident.

Police said people with information may contact the detective bureau at 607.772.7080.

The university said staff from its counseling center were being made available for students who are affected by Donnelly's death. The counseling center can be contacted at 607.777.2772.

Many Binghamton University students were attending parties and visiting bars on Saturday as part of what was being called "New Parade Day."

The event - which was not sanctioned by the university - was described as a sort of bar crawl. It was organized because most students were not in Binghamton on March 4 for this year's traditional Saint Patrick's parade.

Mayor Richard David had indicated he expected no problems from the Saturday bar crawl. He compared it to other similar events that attract students at other times of the year.

During an interview on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, David said some police overtime might be needed to deal with the students who would be in the city for "New Parade Day."

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