Student dies after fall from frat house

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PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- A University of Pennsylvania senior has died after suffering a massive stroke following a fall from a fraternity house, his family said.

Thomas J. Hartford passed away Wednesday at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he was in intensive care, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Early Jan. 10, Hartford fell from the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity house on campus, his father, Thomas W. Hartford, said.

The fall, which has been labeled an accident, left the student with multiple skull and facial fractures, severe brain trauma, a broken wrist and optical nerve damage, his father said. Doctors said the injuries were consistent with a fall from about 15 to 20 feet, Hartford said.

Thomas J. Hartford was majoring in cognitive science at Penn, his father said.

University officials have not released details on the incident.

"We are deeply saddened by Tom's tragic death, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very difficult time," said Stephen J. MacCarthy, vice president for university communications.