ATHENS, GA — A University of Georgia student remained hospitalized Sept. 29 after falling from an eighth-floor window at an off-campus apartment complex near the school, authorities said.
The student fell Sept. 26 at The Rambler Athens, a student housing complex, according to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department. The student, identified as 21-year-old Kristin Sargent, was dancing on a couch near an open window at about 7:57 p.m. local time when she fell from the eighth floor into the courtyard and pool area below.
Sargent was conscious and alert when first responders arrived, police confirmed to the Athens Banner-Herald, part of the USA TODAY Network. She was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.
Her father, Richard Sargent,
told WSB-TV that she remains hospitalized in an intensive care unit and has suffered multiple injuries, including several broken bones.
The Athens Banner-Herald previously reported, citing a statement from police, that the student had been jumping and singing in the room before she fell into a window and through a screen. Others in the apartment complex witnessed the fall.
Authorities have determined that the incident was an accident and no charges are expected in connection with the fall. USA TODAY reached out to the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for more information.
Questions remain about apartment window
The incident has drawn attention to the window involved in the fall and to safety measures at the apartment complex.
According to the Athens Banner-Herald, management at The Rambler Athens later reminded residents that windows throughout the property are equipped with safety limiters, also known as window restrictors, that limit how far a window can open.
"As a reminder, windows throughout the community are equipped with safety limiters. For your safety, please do not tamper with, remove or disengage these devices," The Rambler Athens said in a statement to residents following the incident, the university's student newspaper The Red & Black reported. "If you have a concern with a window or safety limiter, please contact the management team for assistance."
Authorities have not said whether the safety limiter played any role in the fall.
The apartment complex is located at 558 W. Broad St., about three blocks northwest of campus near downtown Athens.
The student housing community promotes is a mid-rise development with 342 units and eight levels of residential floors, according to the real estate developer's website. The apartment complex promotes upscale amenities, including a fitness center, resort-style pool, coffee bar and an on-site dog spa.
USA TODAY reached out to The Rambler Athens for comment.
Report: Student's family focusing on recovery
Kristin Sargent, a senior at the University of Georgia, was awake and talking after surviving the fall, her father told WSB-TV. Her family had traveled from Virginia to Athens, Georgia, after learning of the incident, according to the local television station.
The family has not publicly provided additional details about the circumstances leading up to the fall, but Richard Sargent said the incident occurred after the Georgia Bulldogs won the football game against the Oklahoma Sooners, WSB-TV reported.
Richard Sargent said the family is focusing on her recovery, according to the television station.
"She’s a good fighter, and so she’s going to be OK," her father told WSB-TV.
Contributing: Wayne Ford, Athens Banner-Herald
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: University of Georgia student survives 8-story fall from window
