By Mary Margaret Colliver

"We are profoundly saddened by this shocking incident. Our hearts go out to the families, as well as our students. In addition, I know our faculty and staff are grieving with us."

-- Lee T. Todd Jr.,
president,
University of Kentucky

May 2, 2002 (Lexington, Ky.) -- Two male students died this morning following a tragic incident at the University of Kentucky's Kirwan Tower.

One male was a UK freshman, a resident of Kirwan Tower; the other was a Western Kentucky University student, who was visiting his brother, a resident of Kirwan. Both students were apparently wrestling in a third floor lobby area when they fell through the window. The students died as a result of their injuries.

The UK community is deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our students are in mourning over this tragedy and the University is prepared to offer them all the support we can in order to help them cope with their grief and sense of loss.

UK President Lee T. Todd Jr. and his wife, Patsy, along with other UK administrators were at Kirwan Tower throughout the night. They spoke with students and reassured them they are available to help them with any needs they are experiencing.

Staff from the Dean of Students office also were on site and have assisted in making counselors available for students, faculty and staff. Staff from UK's Counseling Center are available at the residence halls and at the Counseling Center.

"We are profoundly saddened by this shocking incident," said Todd. "Our hearts go out to the families, as well as our students. In addition, I know our faculty and staff are grieving with us. Because UK is nearing the end of finals week, we have asked faculty to make reasonable accommodations for the students."

The Fayette County Coroner's Office, UK Police and Lexington Police are investigating the incident. At this time, the Coroner's Office has not released the students' names.