UA FRESHMAN FALLS TO DEATH IN RESIDENCE HALL ACCIDENT

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — A University of Arkansas freshman died late last night after falling from a ledge on the fifth floor of the "B" wing of Pomfret Hall, a campus residence hall.

The student was Alexander W. Gilbert, 18, son of Steven and Lugene Woods of Little Rock. He had attended Robinson High School in Little Rock and was listed as taking courses toward a major in the Sam M. Walton College of Business.

Gilbert was pronounced dead at the scene at 12:20 a.m. Tuesday by the Washington County assistant coroner. Death appears to have been accidental, according to University of Arkansas Police. There are no indications that alcohol, drugs or foul play were involved, police said.

The body will be taken to the state crime lab in Little Rock for an autopsy.

According to UAPD investigators, Gilbert had climbed out of a window of a neighboring residence hall room onto a ledge, apparently to smoke a cigarette, according to a witness. Pomfret B wing is a smoke-free area.

Investigators said that Gilbert apparently fell, landing on a concrete patio on the north side of B wing.

The 911 call was received at 11:38 p.m. Monday.

Counseling began taking place immediately on the premises for students and staff affected by the death and will continue as long as necessary.

UPAD will continue its investigation, with details being released upon completion.