Ryan Lewis, 19, of the De Soto area died Monday (Nov. 13) from a fall at Missouri University of Science and Technology in Rolla, where the teen was a freshman studying computer engineering, the university reported in a press release the next day.
He was a graduate of Hillsboro High School.
Around noon Monday, the Rolla Police Department got a call that Lewis had taken “a fall from a balcony,” Sgt. Hank Harper said Nov. 15. However, he would not comment further, stating that an investigation was underway.
When Missouri S&T University Police responded to a call about a medical emergency at Thomas Jefferson Hall, responders found Lewis on the ground outside of the residence hall without a pulse, according to the university’s press release.
An officer performed CPR on the victim, who was transported first to Phelps County Regional Medical Center and later to the University Hospital in Columbia, where he was pronounced dead Monday night.
Missouri S&T counseling staff members were made available to assist students, faculty and staff members, the press release said.
Hillsboro High principal Cathy Freeman said Lewis as was well-liked.
“He was an amazing student,” Freeman said. “He was funny. He took a lot of upper-level classes. He was just a strong student.
“We are heartbroken just thinking about his family he left behind. It’s just tragic. Ryan’s teachers have expressed they are so sorry, as well, because they enjoyed having him in class.”