LEWISTON, Maine — Bates College student Troy Pappas died on Friday, six days after he was injured in a fall in a stairwell at Parker Hall.
College President Clayton Spencer sent an email message to the campus community Friday night to share the news that Pappas, 18, of Eliot, had died.
“This news is heartbreaking for Troy’s family,” Spencer wrote, “and for the Bates community.”
According to the notice, Troy’s family was looking into the option of donating his organs in accordance with his wishes.
Although indications are that the fall was a freak mishap, police are investigating the circumstances.
A student who was with Pappas that night called the Bates office of Security and Campus Safety to report the fall, college officials said. Bates security officers and Bates Emergency Medical Services responded to the call.
Pappas’ parents were notified the night of the incident and had remained at Central Maine Medical Center with him throughout the week. Extended members of his family were also at the hospital, a college spokesman said, along with members of the Bates community.
Pappas was a wide receiver on the Bates football team. His studies at the college were focused on science and math, a Bates spokesman said.
A graduate of Marshwood High School in South Berwick, Pappas was captain and quarterback of that football team and was a member of that school’s varsity baseball and basketball teams. He earned top honors at Marshwood and was a member of the math team and student government.
College officials said they have been providing emotional support and counseling for members of the Bates community. They expect to continue doing so in the coming days and weeks.
What a very sad story. I’m very sorry for this boys family and friends.
A sad story and a waste of young talent. Seacoastonline reports that the boy fell down a stairwell from the third story to ground level. It’s reported that he fell while sliding down a bannister. There’s probably no crime here; just youthful exuberance
?????
I don’t know what you’re questioning. If it’s the “probably no crime” part, I wrote that because the article says the police are investigating the circumstances.
therefore; you formed YOUR opinion (probably no crime there) before the investigation was completed!!! interesting!!
Wow. Something like that seems like the perfect adventure to an athletic kid. It doesn’t sound dangerous until you look at it with the wisdom that comes with age. May God send comfort to his grieving family and friends.
What a shame. I am sorry for the family and friends who have suffered this tragic loss. RIP Troy.
my deepest thoughts and prayers go to Troy’s family and friends during this difficult time
So very sad. My condolences to his family & friends.
I am so very sorry to hear of this news. Sorry for his family, friends, community, schools, and for all of us who have lost another bright young person with lots of promise. We all are worse for this happening.
My heart just aches for his family. My son, who started school with Troy, is away for his freshman year of college. I wish he were home right now so I could give him a hug and tell him how much I love him.
There are no words to adequately convey my compassion for Troy’s family at this awful time. I did not know your son, but I have heard from two teachers at his H.S. that he was a wonderful young man, a bright student full of promise and a fine athlete. This is just a senseless tragedy and I pray you will be able to stay strong in the days ahead and find comfort in those who can envelope you in their love.
College and HS football players from all over Maine should lay down the divides of competition and come together in support of this bereaved family and community by attending the memorial and funeral.
May peace be with you.
How sad and terrible. What heartache to the family and friends, my condolences