Hotel School junior dies of injuries sustained following gorge fall

Keith O'Donnell , a junior in the School of Hotel Administration, died Sept. 13 from head injuries he received after falling about 30 feet into Cascadilla Gorge on Sept. 8.

O'Donnell, 23, from Erial, N.J., died at Upstate Medical University Hospital in Syracuse, according to published reports. O'Donnell had been airlifted to the hospital from the stairs behind the Schwartz Center that descend into Cascadilla Gorge. Foul play was not suspected. More information was not available, and the investigation is ongoing.

Michael Johnson, dean of the Hotel School, offered his condolences following O'Donnell's death.

"The entire Statler community mourns the loss of Keith O'Donnell," Johnson said. "Keith was a caring individual and a friend to many in the [school]. We extend our heartfelt condolences to Keith's family and all his friends; our thoughts and prayers are with them. The university will continue to provide support to Keith's family, his friends and others who have been touched by his untimely passing."

Funeral and memorial arrangements are pending.

Media Contact

Media Relations Office