Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Doctor Jumps To Death From Top Of NYU Dorm
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Aug 19, 2014
Modified Aug 20, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Rebecca Fishbein
Published Aug 19, 2014
Modified Aug 20, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
A 26-year-old recent NYU medical school graduate jumped off the roof of his former NYU residence hall yesterday afternoon, according to the NYPD. He plunged 26 stories before landing in the dorm's parking lot, and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The NYPD says that at around 2 p.m. yesterday, Sean O'Rourke, 26, jumped off the roof of Vilcek Hall on East 26th Street near 1st Ave, just a few blocks from the NYU School of Medicine. "My friend and I were walking and we heard like a thud or a boom sound," neighbor Albert Camacho told the Post.
According to the Post, O'Rourke graduated from the NYU School of Medicine in May, and had lived in the dorm; the NYPD currently lists his address as 174th Street near Broadway.
NYU School of Medicine sent us the following statement:
A graduate of the medical school from the class of 2014 died yesterday unexpectedly at NYU School of Medicine. No further details are available as the police are still investigating. Counseling services are being offered to students, faculty and staff. At this time of sudden loss and grief, we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of our former student.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
Tagged
gramercy
NYU
nyu school of medicine
sean orourke
Rebecca Fishbein
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Queens man found dead, police say, and injured woman is his mother, neighbors say
Police are investigating a related incident in which a 62-year-old woman was found injured beneath the Van Wyck Expressway.
By
Charles Lane
Published Oct 14, 2026 at 7:39 p.m. ET
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
News
Man shot by ICE in NYC's Marble Hill said federal officers never identified themselves
The wounded man said he didn't learn ICE agents were involved until he woke up in the hospital.
By
Arya Sundaram
and
Samantha Max
Brooklyn school dean says MTA officers assaulted him over a $3 bus fare he says he paid
By
Carol Chen
National Grid customers in NYC will see higher gas bills this winter
By
Rosemary Misdary
Bruce Blakeman joins Gov. Hochul in support for expanding NY rape law
By
Jon Campbell
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .