My mother’s fatal fall at Ohio State graduation was not an accident: coroner

The death of a woman who fell from the stands at The Ohio State University Commencement over the weekend is being investigated as an “apparent suicide,” according to preliminary reports from the Franklin County coroner’s office reviewed by The Columbus Dispatch. Larissa Brady, 53, was attending her daughter’s graduation ceremony with her husband and 12-year-old son when she told her family she wanted a higher seat at Ohio State Stadium. Witnesses reported seeing Brady pass the highest row of benches and climb over the concrete wall. Brady had previously suffered from mental health issues and attempted to end her life earlier this year. The incident was not mentioned by speakers or officials during the three-hour ceremony, worrying some students who witnessed the fall. The coroner’s office has not yet officially announced the cause of death.

If you or a loved one are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing or texting 988.