Marathon spectator falls 5 stories through skylight

BROOKLINE, Mass. -- A Babson College student watching the Boston Marathon fell five stories on Monday night. Police said the 22-year-old was on the roof when he fell through a skylight.

“We heard a big crash. It sounded like either the floor had collapsed or a huge glass table had fallen while people were trying to move it up,” said Deric Harwood, neighbor.

The man fell 5 stories to the basement. On the way down he smacked into banisters and railings.

“Smashed glass everywhere, splinters of wood everywhere…just a real, real bad and scary scene,” said Harwood.

Police said the man who does not live in the building was visiting friends who were up on the roof watching the marathon, and according to neighbors, drinking.

“You’re not allowed to be on this roof. You’re not supposed to be up there, so they were up there, it’s a group of guys who lives up there. They were drinking alcohol and all that stuff and this is what happens I guess,” said Harwood.

Witnesses say the man was alert and moving when he was taken to the hospital. Police said he suffered serious injuries.

“They had a neck brace on him and it looked like he had a back, head injury,” said Edward Delorie, witness. “He didn’t look too good.”

“A miracle in my mind if he ends up being okay because what a brutal fall…blood, his shoe fell off, his beer went sideways - all kinds of stuff,” said Harwood.

A spokesperson for Babson College said the student remained under observation on Monday night and could be released as early as Tuesday.

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

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