A 21-year-old University of Georgia senior is recovering in intensive care after falling from an eighth-floor window at an off-campus apartment complex in Athens, Georgia.Kristin Sargent, a senior studying finance and marketing at the University of Georgia, survived the fall and is awake and speaking with family and friends as she recovers from multiple injuries.According to an Athens-Clarke County Police Department report obtained by PEOPLE, officers were dispatched to the Rambler Athens apartment complex at 558 West Broad Street on Saturday, September 26, after receiving a report that a 21-year-old student had fallen from an eighth-floor window.First responders found Sargent on the ground near the complex’s pool deck. Police said she appeared to have struck a metal bench during the fall. The bench cushion reportedly had blood on it, while part of its armrest had broken off.
Student was reportedly dancing before fall
Bystanders told officers that Sargent had been dancing on a couch or air mattress before she fell through the screen of a nearby open window, according to the police report.Investigators have not publicly established exactly what caused the fall, and it remains unclear whether a safety limiter on the window was engaged or played any role.Witnesses reportedly said a lounge chair or bench may have broken part of her fall before she reached the ground.Police said Sargent is expected to survive.Her father, Richard Sargent, later told WSB that his daughter was awake and communicating while receiving treatment in the intensive care unit.“She was talking to one of her friends and saying, ‘Hey, I’m alive. I can’t believe it,’” he said.Richard described his daughter as badly injured but said the family was grateful she survived.“She’s a good fighter, and so she’s going to be OK,” he said.
Family rushed to Athens after accident
Sargent’s family traveled from Virginia to Athens after receiving a call informing them that she had suffered a serious fall.Richard said the incident occurred after the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 41-13.“University of Georgia just won a football game,” he told the outlet. “I bet there were a lot of kids here who are 21 years old who were super happy.”The family has since remained focused on Sargent’s recovery as she continues treatment for multiple injuries.A large poster inside the apartment building was reportedly filled with messages of support from Sargent’s friends and fellow students.
Apartment complex reminds residents about window safety
Following the incident, Rambler Athens sent a message to residents reminding them that windows throughout the complex are equipped with safety limiters.“As a reminder, windows throughout the community are equipped with safety limiters,” the message said, according to The Red & Black. Residents were also told not to tamper with, remove or disengage the devices.The complex advised residents who have concerns about a window or safety limiter to contact management.Authorities and the apartment management are continuing to gather information about the circumstances surrounding the fall.A Rambler Athens representative said the complex was wishing Sargent a speedy recovery and reviewing what happened.“Our thoughts are with our resident, and we are wishing for a speedy recovery,” the representative told the New York Post. “We are continuing to gather information and review the circumstances surrounding the incident.”The complex also asked residents to respect Sargent and her family’s privacy as she recovers.