A Penn State Lehigh Valley student has died in an accident on May 25 at Glen Onoko Falls in Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania.
Rahman Hassan, 18, a sophomore from Nazareth, fell while he and friends were hiking at the popular hiking spot on Wednesday. Emergency workers were called to the area around noon Wednesday. He succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Hassan was eating with friends on a rock at the top of the falls.
Hassan reportedly attempted to help a second Penn State Lehigh Valley student, Fadi Abboud, 19, a junior from Allentown, retrieve a dropped water bottle when both fell approximately 50 feet to the base of the falls. Abboud was flown to Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest.
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the heartbreaking loss of our student and the injuries of another in this tragic accident. Our hearts are with the family and friends of both Rahman and Fadi. The Penn State Lehigh Valley community is mourning Rahman’s death and hoping for Fadi to make a full recovery,” said Tina Q. Richardson, chancellor of Penn State Lehigh Valley. “We ask that everyone respect the privacy of the people directly involved as it is a difficult time for them and their families.”
Penn State Lehigh Valley will provide counseling services today (May 26) from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. or by appointment. Students, faculty and staff who want support in response to this accident are urged to contact the counseling office at 610-285-5077.
Services for Hassan will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, May 27, at 40-20 159th Street in Queens, New York.