Shannon Mathers.jpg

Shannon Mathers

(submitted)

A 21-year-old Penn State University student who fell from the roof of a third floor building Friday in State College died of electrocution, the Centre County coroner said today.

Shannon Mathers of Warrington, Bucks County, died of accidental causes, said Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers. After an autopsy Saturday, Sayers ruled she died of electrocution.

The incident happened at 5:41 p.m. Friday at a building on the corner of South Barnard Street and West College Avenue, said Lt. Bradley Smail of State College Police Department.

Sayers said Mathers grabbed the wire, and then fell from the roof.

Smail said the woman's death was accidental, and that there were no indications of foul play or criminal intent.

Smail told PennLive the woman was sitting on the roof with two others, and said he would not describe it as a party. He said she reached out and grabbed the wire, which he described as normal power lines going down the street.

He didn't know why Mathers grabbed the wire, but Smail said he didn't believe it was to break her fall.

There were unsuccessful attempts to revive Mathers at the scene, Smail said. She was pronounced dead at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Sayers said two other women were with Mathers at the time, and also said there was no indication of foul play. He said the wire appeared to be of normal height.

Lisa Powers, PSU spokeswoman, provided this statement: "It is difficult to comprehend such a tragic accident and we offer our deepest condolences to Shannon's family on this unexpected and heartbreaking loss of their loved one.'

It is with profound sadness that we share news of the unexpected passing of one of our members. EMT Shannon Mathers... Posted by Centre LifeLink EMS on Saturday, May 21, 2016

The Centre Daily Times reports Mathers was studying behavioral health, and had taken an EMT course last summer.