Ohio State Student, 19, Took His Own Life in Stadium Fall, Coroner Rules

William Meyers, a 19-year-old Ohio State University student, was discovered dead inside the school’s football stadium on September 26. The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has now confirmed through an autopsy that William died by suicide after jumping from a height in Ohio Stadium.

Columbus fire officials responded to the scene at 9:56 a.m. that morning. The university quickly released a statement identifying William as a student from Fairfield, Connecticut, and stressed that foul play was not suspected and that the campus remained safe.

“Our hearts go out to his family and friends during this incredibly painful time,” the school said, adding that counseling services were available for anyone struggling.

William was in his third year studying accounting. On his LinkedIn, he described himself as someone guided by respect, ethics, improvement, and integrity—values he hoped to carry into his career. In his spare time, he loved playing Scrabble, learning magic tricks, and, most meaningfully, giving back. Together with his older brother, he had co-founded a small charity that collected used sports gear and passed it on to community centers.

He had graduated from Fairfield Ludlowe High School in 2023.

This tragedy marks the second suicide at Ohio Stadium in just over a year; in May 2024, 53-year-old Larissa Brady took her own life during the university’s spring commencement.

If you or someone you know is having a hard time, help is available 24/7—just call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.