On Friday at 1:30 PM the Ithaca Police Department, Cornell University Police and the Ithaca Fire Department responded to the Fall Creek Gorge under the bridge in the 800 block of Stewart Avenue in Ithaca regarding a body that was found in the gorge, adjacent to the water. A death investigation was commenced and the Ithaca Police Department now reports that the victim has been identified as Cornell University senior Avram B. Pinals. The cause of death has yet to be determined and the death investigation is ongoing. At this time, no evidence of foul play is suspected.
Cornell Vice President for Student and Campus Life Ryan T. Lombardi informed the Cornell community of the loss on Saturday. “A senior in the College of Arts and Sciences who majored in biological sciences with a concentration in neurobiology and behavior, Avi was a dedicated student,”
According to Cornell University, Pinals was looking forward to attending medical school at the University of Michigan. Pinals is seen here in a photo on the Cornell website upon returning from a Wind Symphony trip to the Dominican Republic & Hailti.
A community support meeting will be held Saturday afternoon at 5:00 pm in the Founders Room of Anabel Taylor Hall at Cornell University.
This weekend is Commencement Weekend at Cornell.
ORIGINAL REPORT:
The Ithaca Police Department reports that a 21-year-old male has died after a possible fall into the Fall Creek Gorge.
Police say they were called with rescue personnel to the 800 block of Stewart Avenue for the report of a person who fell into the Fall Creek Gorge. It was quickly determined that a male subject, approximately 21-years-old was located under the bridge.
The area was closed to traffic after the incident, which happened during the mid-afternoon hours. The investigation is ongoing, but the identity of the individual has not been released.
An autopsy is scheduled to determine cause of death.
