College freshman dies after fall from 5th-floor balcony

PITTSBURGH — A college freshman died after falling five stories from a balcony in Oakland on Wednesday.

Dalton Bacco, 19, was a student at Carlow University, officials said. Bacco was pronounced dead around 5 p.m. at UPMC Presbyterian Hospital.

TRENDING NOW:

• Atlanta man, girlfriend reported missing in Belize found dead
• Chicken, egg rescued from McKeesport-Duquesne Bridge
• Employment scheme targeting job seekers
• PHOTOS: Allegheny County Top 20 Most Wanted

According to a school spokesperson, Bacco fell from a fifth-floor balcony at the University Commons Building, located on Fifth Avenue. It was not clear why Bacco was there, and the medical examiner is determining how Bacco fell.

"As of right now it does not appear to be accidental or suspicious in nature, but they're going to continue to investigate. We are still waiting for the medical examiner for the exact manner and cause of death. We will continue to investigate," Pittsburgh police spokeswoman Emily Schaffer said.

A student told Channel 11 she spoke to Bacco on Thursday morning. She said Bacco was in a great mood and he said, "I'm going to crush this final."

The fall happened in the middle of the day as students were moving out of their dorms and finishing up final exams.

"We're devastated. First of all, our thoughts and prayers go out to his family," said Drew Wilson, director of media relations at Carlow.

Grief counseling will be available through Friday for all students and staff. Stay with Channel 11 News and WPXI.com for continuing coverage.

Cox Media Group