Confirmed student death in Bobst this morning

Update: Police have identified the student who died today as Andrew Williamson-Noble. He was 20 years old. Police found him unconcious and unresponsive in the lobby of Bobst Library. He was removed and taken to St. Vincent's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival, minutes after 5 a.m. The medical examiner is determining the cause of death. Update: University spokesman John Beckman released a statement concerning the death.

"The death of a College of Arts and Science junior early this morning in Bobst Library is a matter of great sorrow for the NYU community. In a close-knit community of young people such as ours, the death of a fellow student is always keenly felt," Beckman said, adding: "While the cause of this death is still being determined, indications are that he took his own life."

Beckman said that in spite of the many measures NYU has taken to help students' mental health, the univeristy is "not immune to this national challenge."

Beckman and WSN remind students who are struggling to call the Wellness Exchange at 212.998.9999.

LSP freshman Zarrin Ma'ani (who is also member of WSN's editorial board) was studying in the library late last night when, around 4:30 a.m., she heard a huge sound. She said the whole library seemed to shake — she described it as "earthquake-like." She did not leave Bobst's LL-1 floor, but 15 minutes later, she said an NYU Public Safety officer asked students to exit the building via an emergency exit.

Update: NYU sent a universitywide e-mail (http://nyunews.com/news/2009/nov/03/comment/) about the student death in Bobst this morning.

University spokesman John Beckman told WSN the university had reason to believe the student took his own life.

"There was a student death in the library earlier today. I am at great sorrow for the NYU community. Conditions are still being determined by the medical examiner," Beckman said. He said he would be sending an official statement in 15 minutes.

Executive vice president Michael Alfano said: "We're trying to honor the interest of the family" of the student.

Update: 11:31 a.m.: The NYPD could not confirm that the death was a result of a jump. They said all they can confirm is that the activity was "non-criminal."

Carol Mandel, the library dean, declined to comment until after a university statement. Marc Wais said the university should be releasing its comment soon.

Update: 11:25 a.m.: Workers just took a food cart to the 12th floor of Bobst, where administrators are currently meeting. A prospective student group just toured Bobst.

Update: 11:20 a.m.: Students are currently not allowed above the 10th floor of Bobst. The stacks (including floor 10) normally open for students at 7 a.m. and close at 1 a.m.

Marc Wais, vice president for student affairs, and Tom Ellet, associate vice president for student affairs, declined to comment on the situation. NYU spokesman James Devitt, also present at the library, declined to comment until NYU sent a release.

Update 9:50 a.m.: President John Sexton walked into Bobst around 9:40 a.m. He spoke to a WSN reporter and said, "I just am learning the details of it, we always mourn when a terrific young person passes. We have to find out how and why, of course, and then work through it." He added: "The first thing is to take care of the folks." Before walking into the far-right elevator, which has access to his office on the 12th floor, he said, "I just wanted to check on the well-being of everyone here and now I have to go upstairs." Marc Wais, vice president for student affairs, left shortly before Sexton arrived but declined to comment.

Update 9:23 a.m.: Anthony Jiga, NYU's vice president for budget and planning: "I just heard about it. It's a terrible, terrible tragedy." He advised students to talk to friends, reach out to faculty and call the Wellness Exchange.

Update 9:21 a.m.: Bobst is now open.

Update 9:10 a.m.: Patrick Wing, NYU Public Safety's investigations manager, declined to comment but said NYU spokesman John Beckman will release a statement shortly. NYU administrators are currently meeting on the 12th floor of Bobst.

Update 9:05 a.m.: DCPI detective says person was male.

Update 8:59 a.m.: NYPD's Office of Public Information has confirmed a death in Bobst this morning.

8:48 a.m.: WSN is speaking to police and NYU to confirm reports of a death at 4:30 a.m. in Bobst Library. The library is currently closed, and a police presence has been reported in the atrium. Stay with WSN for more on this story. NYU offers services for struggling students or those who are concerned about friends. The Wellness Exchange is available at all times at 212.443.9999 or wellness.exchange@nyu.edu. For more information, visit their website at http://www.nyu.edu/999/handbook/