A UA student died from injuries sustained after a fall at Colonia de la Paz Residence Hall early Friday morning.
Michael Anderson, 19, a pre-business freshman from Mission Viejo, Calif., was climbing on a 20-foot-tall tower-like ventilation structure on top of the residence hall with a friend when he fell onto the roof, according to Sgt. Filbert Barrera, public information officer for the University of Arizona Police Department. The fall is believed to be an accident.
UAPD received a call at 3:55 a.m. Friday in reference to a fall injury, Barrera said. Tucson Fire Department attempted to resuscitate Anderson, but he was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after UAPD arrived. A medical examiner came and collected the remains.
Anderson was a resident of Colonia de la Paz and a member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.
The flags in front of the FIJI house at the end of Greek row now fly at half-mast following Anderson’s death.
FIJI was a big part of Anderson’s life, even though he wasn’t a member for very long, said Cameron Steiner, a pre-business sophomore and member of FIJI. Anderson’s older brother, Scott, is a senior and a member of FIJI as well. Anderson was always happy, Steiner said.
“Even on his worst day he had the biggest smile on his face,” Steiner said. “There was not one thing you could say to the kid that could … bring him down.”
Steiner said he was close with Anderson, as were the rest of the members of FIJI, and Anderson always made time for his friends.
“You could call or go to his room or his dorm and no matter how busy he was he would love nothing more than to hang out with everyone,” Steiner said.
Friends and fellow students took to social media to express their condolences and support.
A moment of silence was also held for Anderson on Friday evening at Up ’til Dawn, the all-greek philanthropy event hosted by Fraternity and Sorority Programs.
UAPD is currently working with Residence Life and the Dean of Students Office to address the concerns and well-being of friends and other residents who have been affected, Barrera said.
Residence Life sent an email to UA residents on Friday offering its services to anyone who may need them. UA counselors have also been called in to offer support, according to Barrera.
UAPD is currently investigating why Anderson was on the roof, Barrera said.
Anderson’s friend was interviewed by police and said the two gained access to the roof by climbing an exterior wall of the residence hall, according to Barrera.
The FIJI house is quiet now, Steiner said. This weekend was Mom’s Weekend for the fraternity, he added, but the planned events “just never really happened.” Anderson’s mother was at the UA for the weekend.
“It’s kind of hard to be extremely happy,” Steiner said. “We know he’s watching over us, so we try to keep our heads up the best we can.”
