University of Georgia Student Survives Eighth-Floor Fall From Apartment Window While Dancing

A 21-year-old University of Georgia student is recovering in intensive care after falling from an eighth-floor apartment window in Athens, Georgia, while reportedly dancing on a couch near the open window.

Kristin Sargent, a senior studying finance and marketing at UGA, survived the terrifying fall on Saturday, Sept. 26, despite suffering multiple injuries and several broken bones. Her father, Richard Sargent, said she is awake, talking and aware of how fortunate she is to have survived.

“She was talking to one of her friends and saying, ‘Hey, I’m alive. I can’t believe it,’” Richard told Channel 2 Action News.

Police say she fell through the window screen

The incident happened at The Rambler Athens apartment complex on West Broad Street, near the University of Georgia campus.

According to an Athens-Clarke County Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to the building at approximately 7:37 p.m. after receiving a report that someone had fallen from an upper floor. Witnesses told investigators that Sargent had been dancing on a couch or air mattress near an open window when she went through the screen and fell into the courtyard below.

When officers arrived, they found Sargent on the pool deck, which is located on the complex’s second floor.

Officer Erik Ellison wrote that evidence at the scene suggested Sargent struck a metal bench during the fall. The cushion on the bench had blood on it, while one of its armrests had broken off.

Witnesses also reportedly believed a lounge chair may have helped lessen the impact before Sargent reached the ground.

Sargent was conscious and alert after the fall and was taken to a local hospital for treatment. She remains in intensive care while recovering from her injuries.

Family rushed to Athens

The frightening news prompted Sargent’s family to travel from Virginia to Athens.

Richard recalled receiving a phone call telling the family, “Oh my God, Kristin’s had a tough fall.”

By the time they reached her, Sargent was able to communicate with friends and family. Her father described her as badly injured but said the family feels extremely fortunate that she survived.

“She’s a good fighter, and so she’s going to be OK,” he said.

Richard did not discuss the specific circumstances that led to the fall. He noted, however, that it happened after the Georgia Bulldogs defeated the Oklahoma Sooners 41-13 on Saturday.

“University of Georgia just won a football game,” he said. “I bet there was a lot of kids here who are 21 years old who were super happy.”

Investigation remains ongoing

Police said the information gathered so far indicates the fall was accidental. Investigators processed the scene, interviewed witnesses and continued reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The incident also prompted The Rambler to remind residents about window safety.

Management told residents that windows throughout the complex are equipped with safety limiters and warned them not to “tamper with, remove or disengage” the devices.

Authorities have not said whether the safety limiter on the window involved in Sargent’s fall was engaged or whether it played any role in the incident. The apartment complex said it is cooperating with investigators.

“Our thoughts are with our resident, and we are wishing for a speedy recovery,” a Rambler Athens representative said. “We are continuing to gather information and review the circumstances surrounding the incident.”

Meanwhile, support has poured in from Sargent’s friends and fellow UGA students. A large poster inside the apartment complex has been filled with messages wishing her a speedy recovery as she continues her fight to heal.