PICTURED: Student, 22, who is on life support with severe brain injuries after falling from Fordham University’s bell tower at 4am because she ‘wanted a better view of New York City for an Instagram picture’
- Sydney Paige Monfries was rushed to local Bronx hospital in serious condition
- Police said she went to Keating Hall bell tower with friends around 4am Sunday
- Monfries, 22, fell 40 feet while trying to get better view of skyline, police said
- Students said Monfries may have been participating in a ‘rite of passage’ event
- The back of her head was smashed in and her vitals flat-lined at the scene
- Paramedics were able to revive her and rushed her to St Barnabas Hospital
- She remains at the hospital in ‘extremely critical’ condition and on life support
A 22-year-old student who fell 40 feet from Fordham University’s bell tower early Sunday morning, is in ‘extremely critical’ condition at a New York City hospital.
The New York Police Department said Sydney Paige Monfries, from Portland, Oregon, went to the Keating Hall clock tower with her friends around 4am.
Police said the senior fell while trying to get a better view of the city’s skyline.
A student named Anne told the New York Post: ‘I think they were posting on Instagram when it happened.’
Monfries fell through an opening on the first landing of the tower and struck her head on the ground.
Sydney Paige Monfries (pictured), 22, fell 40 feet from Fordham University’s Keating Hall bell tower early Sunday morning
The New York Police Department said Monfries (pictured) went to the Keating Hall clock tower with her friends around 4am
Students from Fordham said Monfries may have been participating in a ‘rite of passage’ ceremony or event. According to students at the university, seniors climb the tower (pictured), touch the bell and take photos outside one of the top windows
According to the New York Post, the back of her head was smashed in and her vitals flat-lined at the scene.
Paramedics were able to revive her and rushed her to St Barnabas Hospital in ‘extremely critical’ condition.
First responders said Monfries also suffered injuries to her pelvis.
She is being kept alive on life support at the hospital.
Students from Fordham told the Post that Monfries may have been participating in a ‘rite of passage’ ceremony or event.
According to students at the university, seniors climb the tower, touch the bell and take photos outside one of the top windows during the event.
Monfries was taken to the St Barnabas Hospital in ‘extremely critical’ condition. None of the other students who went with Monfries were injured
None of the other students who went with Monfries were injured.
Fordham University has not commented on the incident.
The Keating Hall clock tower is off limits to students at the university.
In 2013, The Fordham Ram published an article about the gothic granite building and how students are forbidden inside.
Students who violate this rule ‘would likely face disciplinary action if they entered it’.