Sirens and flashing lights could be seen around the Village Apartments early Saturday, Oct. 12. Around 2 a.m. a former graduate student of Saint Louis University fell from the third floor of Village Building H.

The Department of Public Safety and St. Louis Fire and Police Departments responded to the incident after a witness called for emergency help.

The 24-year-old male fell approximately 20 feet after climbing up a drainpipe on the side of the building. The drainpipe broke away from the building near the third floor. The individual sustained facial injuries as well as injuries to the left wrist and elbow. The victim’s left eye was closed with a laceration above the eye and sustained what appeared be a fractured left-eye orbital. The victim was also bleeding from his left ear.

The victim refused medical treatment at first but eventually allowed EMS to treat him. A cervical collar was placed on him and he was transported to SLU Hospital to receive proper medical attention.

Jack Titone, director of Public Safety, said neither the injured person nor the witnesses would provide authorities with information about the incident or the victim’s identity at first.

Rumors are that the victim was dared to climb the drainpipe.

DPS was unable to attain any reason for the incident and believes that is was a prank or dare.

Due to the time of the incidence and the lack of cooperation from the victim and witnesses, it is assumed that alcohol played a key role, Titone said. The incident has been classified as an accidental injury.

Titone said, “When people are trying to help, particularly EMS personnel, you should listen to those authorities– especially when you can’t make a conscious decision by yourself at the time.”