The Ohio State University is reeling from a heartbreaking tragedy following the death of William Meyers, a 19-year-old student from Fairfield, Connecticut, whose body was found inside Ohio Stadium on September 26, 2025.

The university confirmed Meyers’ identity in a statement to The Columbus Dispatch. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time,” said OSU spokesperson Ben Johnson. He also reminded students that Counseling and Consultation Services remain available for anyone struggling to process the devastating news.

Emergency responders were called to the stadium at 9:56 a.m., according to Columbus Fire. A significant police and fire presence was quickly established at the northeast end of the stadium, near Woody Hayes Drive and Tuttle Park Place.

Officers restricted public access to the area as investigators, including the county coroner, carried out their work. Reporters noted that portions of the scene began to be cleared around noon, though the taped perimeter surrounding the immediate discovery site remained in place well into the afternoon.

While officials confirmed that foul play is not suspected, the exact cause and circumstances of Meyers’ death have not been disclosed. Authorities reassured the public that there is no broader safety risk to the campus community.

Meyers’ death has shaken Ohio State deeply. To students, faculty, and alumni, the stadium is not only the home of Buckeye football but also a place of milestones, from commencement ceremonies to community events. Having such a tragedy occur in this iconic setting has intensified the emotional impact.

The news also brings painful memories of a similar tragedy from the previous year, when a woman died after falling from the stadium during the university’s spring commencement ceremony, which authorities later determined to be an apparent suicide. For many, this latest incident underscores the ongoing importance of campus mental health resources and the need for proactive support for students in crisis.

In times of loss, communities often find strength in solidarity, and the Ohio State community has already begun rallying together. Friends, classmates, and faculty have expressed their grief, while student organizations and counseling staff are preparing to extend additional support in the coming days.

As the Meyers family faces unimaginable grief, their son is being remembered as more than just the circumstances of his passing. To those who knew him, William was a friend, a student with promise, and a young man taken far too soon.

While the investigation continues, one truth is certain: the Ohio State community will not forget William Meyers. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him, and his tragic passing serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, community, and care in times of sorrow.