A 19-year-old student died on Wednesday after falling 40 feet to her death from a rooftop party near Temple University in Philadelphia.
Ali Fausnaught, of Brownstown, Pennsylvania, was apparently posing for a photograph during 'Spring Fling' celebrations on the flat roof, which has no guard rail and only a ten-inch ledge.
Philadelphia police Officer Tanya Little said: 'She was backing up and tripped over the edge and fell backward.'The teenager plunged three stories into an alley behind the property.
Police were notified at 5.14 pm and the victim was transported to Temple University Hospital but pronounced dead at 5.51 pm.
Tragic: Ali Fausnaught, 19, fell to her death during a rooftop party on Wednesday
Accident: The roof did not have a guardrail and only a 10 inch ledge
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said there were around 30 to 40 people at the apartment on North 18th Street, just four blocks west of Temple University's campus
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said there were around 30 to 40 people at the apartment on North 18th Street, just four blocks west of Temple University's campus.
'They were on the roof having a party,' Small told NBC. 'We know there was alcohol involved but we're not sure if the 19-year-old female drank any alcohol.'
Police believe the incident was an accident and there was no foul play involved. Eight people who were on the roof when Fausnaught fell were taken for questioning by officers.
Authorities are now waiting for the medical examiner's report which will determine whether the West Chester University student was drinking.
Sad: Ali Fausnaught (left) was a West Chester freshman who was visiting her boyfriend who went to Temple University
Fausnaught was a freshman at West Chester, having recently transferred from University of South Carolina. She was visiting her boyfriend, who attends Temple, when the accident occurred.
'We extend our deepest condolences to the entire Fausnaught family, and all of Ali's friends and classmates during this very difficult time,' Matthew J. Bricketto, vice president of student affairs at West Chester, said.
Fausnaught was majoring in psychology. She graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 2012.
Spring Fling is an annual event at Temple that features 200 vendors, games, giveaways and music. It is also the day of many student parties.
Fausnaught (right) graduated from Conestoga Valley High School in 2012
The revelers gained access to the rooftop at this apartment using a movable ladder to access a hatch on the third floor.
'Upon police arrival, not only did they find many individuals on the roof where the female fell but also on the block and adjoining blocks to the north and west there were other parties happening on rooftops,' said Small.
'There were several young adults on the roofs, partying, and drinking alcohol. Small 'These roofs were intended to be roofs. They were not transformed to any type of deck.
'There were no rugs, carpeting, couches or chairs. The roof was just a roof. But for some reason these young adults decided to party and drink alcohol there,' added the inspector.
Police questioned eight people who were on the roof when the teenager fell but authorities believe the incident was accidental
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