19-Year-Old Student Found Dead Inside Ohio State’s Football Stadium

Ohio State University confirmed to PEOPLE that the deceased is William Meyers, a 19-year-old student from Fairfield, Conn.

An Ohio State University student has been found dead inside the school’s football stadium.

Fire officials in Columbus responded to a call to the scene on Friday, Sept. 26, at 9:56 a.m. local time, per The Columbus Dispatch.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the university confirmed that there was a “fatality at the stadium” that morning and identified the deceased student as 19-year-old William Meyers of Fairfield, Conn.

“Foul play is not suspected and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” the university added in the statement.

Meyers’ cause of death has not yet been released.

Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
Stephen Zenner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

The university continued, “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Counseling and Consultation Services are available for students in need of support by calling 614-292-5766.”

PEOPLE reached out to the Ohio State University Police as well as the Columbus Division of Fire for comment on Sunday, Sept. 28, but did not receive immediate responses.

According to Meyers’ LinkedIn profile, he was a third-year accounting student who co-founded a charity with his older brother that donated used and unused sports equipment to local centers.

The incident comes a year after another tragedy at the Ohio State football stadium. Larissa Brady, 53, died by suicide during the university’s spring commencement ceremony in May 2024 after she jumped from the stands and fell 100 feet to the ground, per NPR. She was there to attend her daughter’s graduation, according to the outlet.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.

Ohio State University confirmed to PEOPLE that the deceased is William Meyers, a 19-year-old student from Fairfield, Conn.

An Ohio State University student has been found dead inside the school’s football stadium.

Fire officials in Columbus responded to a call to the scene on Friday, Sept. 26, at 9:56 a.m. local time, per The Columbus Dispatch.

In a statement obtained by PEOPLE, the university confirmed that there was a “fatality at the stadium” that morning and identified the deceased student as 19-year-old William Meyers of Fairfield, Conn.

“Foul play is not suspected and there is no ongoing threat to the community,” the university added in the statement.

Meyers’ cause of death has not yet been released.

Ohio Stadium in Columbus.
Stephen Zenner/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

The university continued, “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time. Counseling and Consultation Services are available for students in need of support by calling 614-292-5766.”

PEOPLE reached out to the Ohio State University Police as well as the Columbus Division of Fire for comment on Sunday, Sept. 28, but did not receive immediate responses.

According to Meyers’ LinkedIn profile, he was a third-year accounting student who co-founded a charity with his older brother that donated used and unused sports equipment to local centers.

The incident comes a year after another tragedy at the Ohio State football stadium. Larissa Brady, 53, died by suicide during the university’s spring commencement ceremony in May 2024 after she jumped from the stands and fell 100 feet to the ground, per NPR. She was there to attend her daughter’s graduation, according to the outlet.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.