Pre-Med Student Dies After Falling From Roof Of Building In Oakland
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- A 21-year-old man died after falling from the roof of a building in Oakland late Friday night.
The incident happened in the 200-block of Meyran Avenue just before 9 p.m.
The Allegheny County medical examiner's office identified the victim as 21-year-old Colin Montesano, of Oakland.
According to a Pittsburgh Police spokesperson, Montesano fell about 20 feet between two apartment buildings and was knocked unconscious. Police said the incident appeared to be accidental.
He was taken to UPMC Presbyterian Hospital in critical condition. He was pronounced dead at the hospital just after 10 p.m.
Montesano, a junior pre-med University of Pittsburgh student, was involved in innovative cancer research. He aspired to be an orthopedic surgeon and had already completed a fellowship.
Friends tell KDKA that they have been devastated by the sudden loss.
"He's more than just a great student, our best friend for a long time now and it's tough to see him go," Brian Kolar said.
"He was a very selfless person. He was the world to us and we were the world to him -- that was very important and I love him for that," Ian Christman said.
Montesano was the co-founder of PACT, Pittsburgh Attacks Cancer Together. The signature event was organized just weeks ago.
"It's a 5K run. We raised $6,000 in our first year and I have to say he was the instrumental person in getting us to raise $22,000 this year," Brad Smertz said.
The University of Pittsburgh released the following statement Saturday morning:
"The University community is saddened by the death of our student, Colin Montesano. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and all who knew him. University Counseling Center staff are available at the UCC from 11 to 1 today and counselors can be reached around the clock at 412-648-7930."
Colin Montesano's close friends are making plans to memorialize him on campus.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
Stay with KDKA for the latest on this developing story.
