A Syracuse University graduate student fell, hit her head and drowned in Hiawatha Lake in Syracuse around 7 p.m. Wednesday. She was taken to University Hospital and pronounced dead 30 minutes later, said Sgt. Tom Connellan of the Syracuse Police Department.

An autopsy conducted this morning showed the cause of death was asphyxiation due to drowning and police have ruled the death an accident, Connellan said.

Kelly Farmer, 24, of Syracuse, was walking with her 7-year-old niece when she slipped and fell into the water. Police said trauma to her head was consistent with a fall. Her niece ran to get help from other people in Upper Onondaga Park, Connellan said.

Farmer was a graduate student in the L.C. Smith College of Engineering and Computer Science where she was studying for a master’s degree in mechanical engineering. Farmer received an undergraduate degree at SU in mechanical engineering in 2008.

Student Affairs will provide counseling and support to those who need it, said Chancellor Nancy Cantor in an e-mail sent to the university community today. The Counseling Center, Hendricks Chapel and the Faculty and Staff Assistance Program are also available for support services.

An informal meeting was held in Hendricks Chapel today at 3 p.m. for friends and colleagues to remember Farmer. A memorial service will be planned in the fall when students return.

adbrow03@syr.edu

Published on July 9, 2009 at 12:00 pm