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An Elon University star athlete has died after a 10-story fall from a campus building, located at the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill.
Junior wide-receiver Demitri Allison, who was 21 years old, plunged to his death from Morrison Residence Hall on Wednesday afternoon, at around 4:30 p.m. Witnesses immediately called 911, and emergency medical technicians, as well as police officers shortly arrived at the scene.
An email issued through the Alert Carolina System was sent to students at approximately 5:45 p.m., but contained very few details regarding the identity of the victim, or the circumstances of this harrowing incident.
Following the news, there was a small, informal prayer circle at the Student and Academic Services plaza, as well as vigil by Christian Group Cru in the Morrison Game Room.
For now, it’s unclear how the fall occurred, and what exactly triggered this gesture, but an investigation is being conducted by the University of North Carolina’s Department of Public Safety.
Apparently, according to Smith Jackson, dean of students and vice president for student life at Elon University, Allison had gone away from campus earlier that day.
Family and friends had been concerned about him, because it had seemed that he was facing emotional turmoil. As a result, they had contacted police, to express their fears that Allison’s well-being might be in danger.
That is how his lifeless body was eventually found, and those who knew the young man are still trying to come to grips with this tragedy.
The student who was hailing from Cornelius, North Carolina, had intended to major in management, and was also playing for the Elon Phoenix football team.
He had taken part in all of the 9 football matches Elon had this season, and had succeeded in catching 12 passes for 123 yards. He had also finished second in his team the previous season, making 55 catches for 525 yards and 2 touchdowns.
As Athletics Director Dave Blank has said, this is a poignant loss for the University, especially for fellow team mates who had been greatly fond of Allison. It had been expected that the talented football player would have a bright future ahead, and his friends and acquaintances are inconsolable following his death.
Other players from the Elon Phoenix football team, as well as members of staff are currently receiving counseling from the sports chaplain, in order to cope with this shocking news. Support and prayer groups have also emerged, as students show their regret and sympathy following Allison’s death.
According to an announcement made on Wednesday night, on the website of the private liberal arts university, it appears that a “Gathering of Friends” has been scheduled for today, at 4:30 p.m., at Rhodes Stadium.
Those who wish to reminisce of happy times they shared with Allison and to pay their respects following this unexpected tragedy are invited to attend this memorial.
Image Source: Lake Norman Citizen
