Students cope with loss after Campbell freshman dies in fall from dorm window

Officials said 18-year-old Ezra Goldbach, from Stokes County, died Thursday night when he fell from a window at Kitchin Hall, an all-boys dorm, around 9:30.

Authorities said two or three other people were in the room when it happened. Students said in the minutes and hours after the fall there was confusion and concern.

"We didn't know what was happening and where he fell from," said Shelby Mathis, a Campbell student. "My mom actually called me and she was like, 'Is everything OK?' And we were like, "We're fine.'"

University officials said the Harnett County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the death to determine if Goldbach fell, jumped or was pushed out of the window.

"It's just sad because everybody knows everybody," said Campbell student Ron Foster. "I know one thing we've all been doing is a lot of praying because that's the only thing we can do."

Campbell Vice President Britt Davis said the campus is now experiencing a profound loss.

"It's that sinking feeling. It's a loss of a member of the Campbell family," she said. "It's a close knit group down here. I think the overall emotions are very tender and sensitive right now."

Goldbach was studying in the Professional Golf Management program.

"Our university family and community are very much saddened that this tragedy occurred tonight," said Dr. Bazamore, Vice President of Student Life at Campbell. "It certainly impacts our students. We have counselors on-hand tonight meeting with our students, and we will continue to meet with them in the days to come. We are very saddened."

No further information was available.