Man falls to his death at University of Florida football stadium

Authorities responded to a report of a man standing on a ledge at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville shortly before 9:50 a.m. The individual, a 51-year-old whose identity has not been released, was located on a concrete beam in the stadium's west concourse. Police engaged in negotiations to coax him down safely, but he stepped off and fell an estimated 60 to 80 feet, landing near Gate 4. Emergency personnel administered life-saving measures; although he was initially conscious and breathing, he succumbed to his injuries and was declared dead at 10:05 a.m. The stadium was empty at the time, and officials called the incident isolated.

The man was not affiliated with the university and is believed to have been homeless. The tragedy occurred days before the Gators' season-opening home game.