The Orange community is grieving the loss of one of its students after a fatal incident with a campus trolley.

Syracuse University freshman Trevor Pierce died Tuesday evening after a collision with a trolley at the intersection of Comstock and Waverly Avenues. Syracuse Police told CNYCentral that Pierce was a pedestrian in the incident, but it is still unclear whether he was walking or using another mode of transportation, as officials found an overturned skateboard at the scene.

SU sophomore Allie Kaylor told CNYCentral she saw police officers searching under a trolley and paramedics performing what looked to be CPR after the crash.

"I've never seen anyone get hit," Kaylor told CNYCentral. "I've never even seen anyone come close to being hit, so this was just, like, really weird."

While police and university officials work to understand what happened to cause this tragic accident, the Orange community is grieving the loss of one of their own.

The university's Associate Vice President and Dean of Students, Marianne Thomson, shared the tragic news with the campus community Tuesday evening, writing that Pierce was a first-year student from Jaffrey, New Hampshire, pursuing a Bachelor's degree in political philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. He was also a member of Syracuse's Renée Crown University Honors Program and the Honors Living Learning Community in Sadler Hall.

"This is an unthinkable loss for Trevor’s family, friends and loved ones and the entire Syracuse University community," Thomson wrote. "Please join me, Chancellor Kent Syverud and our Orange family in extending our deepest sympathy and condolences to all who knew and loved Trevor. We send our support, thoughts and prayers to everyone grieving and impacted by Trevor’s death."

Thomson also noted the support services available to students, faculty and staff who may need them during this difficult time.

Syracuse University unveiled the new line of trolleys at the beginning of 2020 as a way to improve the transportation experience across campus.

Enter your number to get our free mobile app

KEEP READING: Get answers to 51 of the most frequently asked weather questions...

 

More From Lite 98.7