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Gannon student from Butler County dies after falling off balcony

ERIE, Pa. — Officials said a 21-year-old Gannon University student from Butler County has died from injuries he suffered when he fell from a fraternity house balcony.

According to police, Jason Wahl, of Harmony, fell from a second-story balcony at the Alpha Phi Delta fraternity house on Friday night.

Erie County Coroner Lyell Cook said Wahl was pronounced dead Saturday at UPMC Hamot. He was initially kept alive on life support so that his organs could be donated.

Cook said no autopsy is scheduled. He ruled the death an accident.

Investigators said they believe Wahl was jumping on the balcony, lost his balance and toppled over a railing.

Wahl was a junior engineering major and member of Alpha Phi Delta.

Officials said grief counselors will be on campus for students who may need them.

Wahl graduated from Portersville Christian School in Butler County. History teacher Ed Oliver said Wahl was a great athlete.

“He was a really neat kid and very athletic,” Oliver said. “When you saw him play on the court, he was very intense. He wanted to win. You could see it on his face and in his actions.”

Teacher Sheila Powers said Wahl’s death has hit everyone in his hometown.

“It’s felt by everyone. Everyone feels the loss,” Powers said. “We have had several students die. One died on a soccer field, and another young lady was in an automobile accident.”