Around 11:30 Sunday night, University of Virginia police were called to the Physics building on grounds. When officers arrived, they found 19-year-old Thomas Gilliam IV after he had fallen off of the roof. Gilliam was rushed to UVA Hospital where he later died from injuries suffered during the fall.
Police don't think foul play or alcohol was involved, and they don't believe it was a suicide attempt, but the investigation is ongoing.
Gilliam's grandfather said his grandson, who family members called "Tommy Four," grew up in Albemarle County. He went to Meriwether Lewis Elementary from first through fifth grades. The family then moved to Ireland where they have been ever since.
Most of his family lives overseas, but relatives nearby spent time with him the day of his death. They grabbed a bite to eat and saw a show before dropping Gilliam off on Grounds around 10p.m..
Now, the UVA community is in mourning and just looking for answers.
"We're all part of this UVA community, we walk around, we see everyone, and just to think that it's someone who I've probably walked past and maybe had a class with and interacted with is now gone is just. It hits home a little bit," said first-year UVA student Eric Johnson.
University President Teresa S. Sullivan released a statement Monday afternoon, which reads:
"Today is a day of great sadness for the family and friends of Tom Gilliam and for the entire university community. By all accounts, tom was a bright light. Those who knew him thought him destined to lead an interesting life that would include his deep faith, his interest in caring for those less fortunate, and world politics. As a member of First Year Council, he opened himself to a wide network of friends, and I am told he was hopeful of becoming a resident advisor next year. We mourn the loss of Tom, the promises unfilled, and offer prayers for his family and friends as they begin to deal with their unbearable loss."
Tom will be remembered this Friday along with other students who have died this year at the Annual Student Memorial Service.
University police released a statement Monday night which read:
"While the investigation is ongoing, evidence has thus far revealed some key facts. The Physics Building had been secured, but someone compromised the lock on the east door in order to gain entrance. Testimony from other students also confirmed that Mr. Gilliam entered through the east door then went to the front door to let them into the building so they could make their way to the roof."
The statement continued:
"Unfortunately, with the snow and rain on Saturday and Sunday, the roof of the Physics Building was especially wet and slippery. When Mr. Gilliam tried to walk along a part of the shingled roof, he was unable to keep his footing and fell 40 feet to the concrete below."
The police are aware that some university students try and enter secured spaces on Grounds as part of a challenge. "They do so illegally and at great risk to their personal safety," the statement added.
The university advises any student in need of support to call the Dean of Student's Office at (434) 924-7133.
Thomas (Tom) W. Gilliam IV fell from the roof of the Physics Building late Sunday night and later died from injuries suffered in the fall. -Photo courtesy of the Gilliam family
-Photo courtesy of the Gilliam family
-Photo courtesy of the Gilliam family
-Photo courtesy of the Gilliam family
-Photo courtesy of the Gilliam family
