Martha Corey-Ochoa, of the Columbia College Class of 2016, died after falling from John Jay Hall onto the corner of 114th and Amsterdam Avenue, according to an email from Dean Kevin Shollenberger early this morning. Shollenberger also wrote that "Martha was passionate about mathematics and literature, and recognized as a very talented writer."
She was also valedictorian of her class at Dobbs Ferry High School in Westchester, New York. In June, she told the Rivertowns Daily Voice that she was planning on double majoring in English and math, and she was working on a novel.
Shollenberger's email came three hours after a previous email in which it was confirmed that a student had died, but the name of the student was not released. See the original post below, followed by updates. A full story can be found here.
Update, 5:20 a.m.: Dean Shollenberger has released the name of the student who died. She was Martha Corey-Ochoa, CC 2016. The full email is below.
Dear Students,
I am following up to inform you that the student who passed away earlier this evening has been identified as Columbia College student Martha Corey-Ochoa. Martha was passionate about mathematics and literature, and recognized as a very talented writer.
We are here to support you through this difficult time. Please reach out to Counseling and Psychological Services, which will have walk-in hours this week, or to one of the other advisers in the community, such as your Resident Assistant, Graduate Hall Director, or Associate Director in your residence hall. The Office of the University Chaplain (212-854-1493) will be available to assist students who may find comfort in talking with a chaplain or member of the clergy. For ongoing support, students are encouraged to reach out to their advisers in the Center for Student Advising (212-854-6378) or in Community Development (212-854-1836). Parents and family members may reach out to the Office of Parent and Family Programs (212-854-2446).
We extend our deepest condolences to the family of this student. As we continue to cope with the loss of one of our valued community members, we remain committed to ensuring the health and well being of our Columbia family.
Sincerely,
Kevin G. Shollenberger
Update, 2:20 a.m.: Dean of Student Affairs Kevin Shollenberger just sent an email to students of the College and SEAS announcing that a student died earlier this evening. No name is currently being released, and the investigation is still in progress. The full e-mail is below.
Dear students,
It is with deep regret that I write to inform you of a death earlier this evening of one of our students. We are not releasing the name or any additional information at this time as the police investigation is still in progress and we are in the process of contacting the family.
Whenever there is a death such as this, we are all struck by a wide range of emotions and a deep sense of loss. Especially during this difficult time, please rely on one another, your family, and University offices for support.
I encourage you to seek guidance from professional staff by visiting or calling Counseling and Psychological Services (854-2878). From 1:30 a.m. until 3:00 a.m., members of CPS and Residential Programs staff are available in the lounges of John Jay, Carman and Wallach. Services will be available at CPS on the 8th floor of Lerner Hall starting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning.
In this time of great sadness, I know we are united in grieving the loss of a member of our community.
Kind regards,
Kevin G. Shollenberger
Shollenberger told Spec that CPS and RAs will be available until 3:30 a.m. in all first-year residence halls but Hartley. CPS representatives will be available on a walk-in basis from 9 a.m. on, on the 8th floor of Lerner Hall.
