Rescue Workers Recover Body of Cornell Student from Fall Creek Gorge
-
E-Mail
Print
-
Discuss (33 comments)
-
Share
-
-
-
Advertisement
Rescue workers recovered the body of Bradley Ginsburg '13 from Fall Creek Gorge yesterday after the Cornell University Police Department received a call at about 10:10 a.m. that a body had been spotted under the Thurston Avenue Bridge.
CUPD is leading the investigation into the events that caused Ginsburg’s death. As of Wednesday night, there was no information available about the nature of Ginsburg's death. University officials declined to offer any additional details about the situation.
Tragic scene: Emergency crews closed off the Thurston Avenue Bridge for much of Wednesday morning. - By: Meghan Hess
The Thurston Avenue Bridge that connects North and Central Campuses was closed for much of the morning as an Ithaca Fire Department rappelling team — along with Ithaca Police Department, CUPD, Bangs Ambulance, Cornell Emergency Medical Service and Cornell Environmental Health and Safety — aided in the recovery.
Ginsburg, a resident of Mary Donlon Hall, was last seen by his roommate early Tuesday morning. He was reported missing later that night, according to the University.
The University has been in contact with Ginsburg’s family to offer support and assistance, according to Simeon Moss '73, deputy University spokesperson.
“Whenever a young person dies it’s very sad and very disturbing,” Moss said.
President David Skorton reached out to Cornellians in a press release yesterday evening.
“I join the Cornell community in profound sadness over the death of Bradley Ginsburg,” Skorton told the University. “My heartfelt condolences go to his family and many friends. It is especially important, in this time of grief, that we reach out to one another on campus and take advantage of support services the university provides.”
Ginsburg, 18, was an economics major in the College of Arts and Sciences from Boca Raton, Fla. He was a new member of Alpha Epsilon Pi.
For his fraternity brothers, Ginsburg’s death came as an immense surprise.
Bradley Ginsburg: Courtesy of Facebook. - By:
“We are still in shock,” said Matt Lerner ’12, president of Alpha Epsilon Pi. “Brad was a spark plug and always full of energy. Someone who was always wanting to be the best brother he could be, wanting to have a good time and wanting to cherish every moment.”
According to Lerner, University support has been invaluable. A community support meeting was held at the Alpha Epsilon Pi house yesterday, and the Dean of Students Office and Campus Life Residential Programs will hold several more discussions in the coming weeks. The locations and times of these meetings will be made available to the students involved, Moss said.
The brothers of Alpha Epsilon Pi will hold a service tonight at 9 p.m. to commemorate Ginsburg.
“He was someone we had only known for a short time, but he made such a happy and positive impact on our fraternity,” Lerner said. “Brad will be remembered in nothing but the fondest light.”
Email this News Story
Printer-friendly version
Reader Discussion (33 comments)
Anonymous.... (not verified) says:
RIP :(
The Dubnick Family (not verified) says:
It is with a heavy heart and great pain that we write these words tonight. Bradley, our family has known you for most of your life, and we cannot believe that you are no longer with us. May you rest in peace. Sherri, Howie and Courtney we all love you and reach out to you with all our support and friendship. Sending you all condolences from the neighborhood. xoxo, Sush, Michael, Kayla, Logan & Major.
Fellow WB student (not verified) says:
R.I.P. Brad, you were a good guy.
chunghey says:
RIP
Observer (not verified) says:
Alav ha-shalom....rest in peace. How sad.
Hillel (not verified) says:
Baruch atah Adonai, eloheinu melech ha'olam, asher kidshanu B'mitz'votav v'tzivanu l'hadlik ner shel.
With Care (not verified) says:
My heart and prayers go out to Brad's friends and family.
Ina (not verified) says:
My deepest sympathy. RIP
The Hoffman Family (not verified) says:
Oh Bradley why??? You had so much to live for..you were a shining star..we love you and miss you! Sherry, Howie, and Courtney my heart breaks for you..Please know that we are here for you day or night, love, and friendship, Erin, Scott, Emily and Noelle..oxox
friend since elementary school.. (not verified) says:
One of the nicest people I have ever met. RIP, my condolences go out to your family. Never would have expected this, very sad to see such an awesome person gone. You will be missed.
The Tow Family (not verified) says:
We were sooooo saddened to hear this tragic news. Brad was a very special person! Our hearts go out to his family and friends...he will be deeply missed!
Wendi, Blake and Harleigh Tow
The Bryer Family (not verified) says:
Dear Howard, Sherry & Courtney;
There are no words to say how we feel right now or to ease what you are going through at this moment. Know this though, in your heart of hearts that we love you dearly. We pray for Brad & your family. We know that God in the heavens above has a plan for him & for each of us. We will be here when you return & we will be with you though all of this. My own tears & the pain in our hearts can never console your loss at this time. We only want to hold you; to hug you tightly & to remind you that your loving friends & loving family are here for you when you return.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey, Brenda, Victoria, Trevor & Jacqueline
The Bryer Family
Elyse Comerford (not verified) says:
To the Ginsburg Family
I lost my son in November, 2001 to the Stewart Avenue Bridge over the Cascadilla Gorge. He was a senior at Cornell at the time. I know what you are going through. I wish I could tell you it gets easier. It just gets "different". Take comfort in his friends. They knew him best. Listen to what they have to say about him. You'll find truth in what they say. There was a wonderful book that was sent to me by someone who lost her husband to 9/11. It helped me a lot. It's called "Living When A Loved One Has Died" by Rabbi Earl A. Grollman. My heart goes out to your family.
Anonymous. (not verified) says:
R.I.P. Bradley, you were a great kid, loveing and kind. We will all miss you.
The Bilheimer Family (not verified) says:
We are devastated by this news. No words can express our heartbreak for you all. Bless Bradley's kind and loving soul. Our hearts and prayers go out to you.
Cornell Parent (not verified) says:
Condolences and prayers to the family.
A Cornell Parent
Jason Schneider (not verified) says:
Brad,
I know you're watching all of us from heaven right now. You were the first friend I had ever made and my best friend my entire life. After seeing each other almost everyday for 14 years, I just can't believe that you are gone. You were truly my best friend and I know you are in a better place. In light of what has happened I have learned a lot of things about life, death, friends, and family. I just wish that we could hang out in my room, have a sleep over, and playing video games through the night like the old days. My entire life has now changed but Brad you will always have a place in my life and in my heart. Since the time we met in pre-school, my life has been great thanks to you. You were the one person who I was closest with and I will never ever forget you. I hope that your family will do well through this event and I pray everyday for you and your family. Ill see you later bro. Love you Brad.
A Cornell Mom (not verified) says:
My heart aches for your family. You are living a parents worse nightmare. I wish you peace and the answers you need to find that peace during this terrible time. When our kids are little we try to protect from them everything, every scratch, bump & bruise. We hope & pray that we have prepared them well for the world & with heavy hearts send them off to college to become grown-ups - this is not what you signed up for - this is not how it was suppose to be. You & your family will be my thoughts & prayers.
A Cornell Parent (not verified) says:
To the Ginsberg Family,
My heartfelt sympathies to your family. May your son rest in peace. May the memories of all the good times comfort you during this very difficult period.
A Cornell Parent.
Anonymoushippopatamus (not verified) says:
Brad, You Will Always be in our Hearts and Minds.
If this tragedy was in any way related to academic stress or grades, I hope the truth will be disclosed and that Cornell will take note and take steps that might avert similar tragedies in the future.
May you rest in peace.
Another Cornell Parent (not verified) says:
Our child, currently a Senior, mentioned this tragedy to us on the day of its occurence. I would like Brad's family to know that your loss touches and saddens the entire community - students, parents, faculty... absolutely everyone. We are thinking of you and wishing you love, strength and peace.
Anonymous1 (not verified) says:
I never knew you, nor spoke a single word to you but I am overcome with sadness regardless. At our age, we have so much ahead. We still have challenges to face, defeats to taste, triumphs to cherish. That a life not yet in bloom should wither prematurely and so suddenly can only be regarded as a tragedy.
Rest in peace.
Jody, Randy, Brooklyn Rapchik-Gaughen (not verified) says:
Howard, Sherry, Courtney
You have been delt the worst grief a family can have. In this time we can only offer to you our deepest sympathy and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you all. We pray for peace for Bradley.
Lambda Chapter of AEPi (not verified) says:
To Brad's brothers: Our deepest condolences from your brothers at the University of Chicago.
Sharon (not verified) says:
Sherry, Howie and Courtney,
Since Wednesday when I received the phone call from Zachary crying that Bradley had passed away, I have been in total shock and can't seem to focus on anything but all of you and Bradley. No words can express how very sorry I am. I learned what it is like to lose a child when my sister lost her son a few years ago and the heartache is unbearable. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with all of you and Bradley will never be forgotten. Zachary will always have a place in his heart for Bradley where he will hold all the memories of their friendship. It was a pleasure to have known him and watch him grow from the time he was 4 until I saw him graduate top of his class from High School.
Sharon Heller Smith
Alan, Dara and Zachary Smith
Hillary Fox (not verified) says:
As a former Cornell parent and a resident of Boca Raton, I am agonized by your loss and my prayers are with you. May you find peace someday. My heart truly breaks for all of you. I am so sorry for your loss.
Bonnie & Stephen Custen (not verified) says:
Howard and Sherri,
We read about Bradley's passing and were devastated. We wish you the deepest heartfelt sympathy and condolences. A child could not have had two better or more loving parents.
Freshman Father (not verified) says:
I want to express my condolences to the family. As the father of a freshman at Cornell I know the excitement and promise my son felt being accepted at Cornell. I cannot imagine the pain felt by your family and I wish I could do something to help. Cornell is a special place and the student population is special. I know he must have been a tremendous young man and I hope the strong memories you hold in your heart support you through this difficult time. Our family grieves your loss.
Marcia and Brian Goldstein (not verified) says:
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to the Ginsburg family. We are shocked by this horrible tragedy and hope that you can find the strength to make it through the coming days. May Brad rest in peace. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
Marcia, Brian and Jordan Goldstein
The Jacobs Family (not verified) says:
Our son Adam is a friend of Courtney and was in class with Brad. It is with great sadness that we learned of his passing, and our hearts go out to you. Please accept our family's sincerest condolences.
Barbara, Arnold, Brittany, and Adam Jacobs