Mississippi State student dies in fall from Jumbotron

A 21-year-old Mississippi State student died during an apparent accidental fall from the football stadium scoreboard early Saturday morning.

The university confirmed Andrew Scott Demboski of Ocean Springs, a junior environmental economics and management major, died. Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt said Demboski fell 18 feet after walking on a metal awning on top of the scoreboard. Two other male students were with Demboski when emergency crews were called at 1:30 a.m.

"What he was walking on was not designed to be walked on," Hunt said. "We're lucky all three of them didn't get hurt."

Hunt said Demboski suffered cardiac arrest after hitting his head during the fall. A high-angle rescue team was dispatched to rescue Demboski while paramedics worked on his body for an hour to regain a pulse.

"Andrew was a very talented student. Our campus is saddened by this loss on the day of Spring Commencement, and we all mourn Andrew’s passing and are keeping his family in our prayers," said MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter.

In a Facebook post, Marissa Gonzalez, his girlfriend as indicated on Facebook,  said he was "a very simplistic guy who made you laugh under any circumstance ... I love him more than words can say. I'm praying for him and his family for peace. His family lost a brother, son, grandchild, and cousin."

I keep thinking what to say but only... - Marissa Gonzalez | Facebook

Salter said the investigation into Demboski's death is ongoing by university and county officials. He said the university would not have further comment until Monday.

Hunt said Demboski's body has been sent to Pearl for an autopsy and toxicology report.

Access to the scoreboard inside Davis Wade stadium has been a public topic among Mississippi State fans. A 2013 post on the popular Mississippi State fan message board Six Pack Speak from user Hugh Jazz said access to the highest point on campus atop the Jumbotron can be done "fairly easily."

The post explained in detail how one could gain access through a door that was usually unlocked and then  climb multiple sets of ladders to the top.

Michael Bonner contributed to this report.

Contact Jacob Threadgill at 601-961-7192 or jthreadgil@gannett.com. Follow Jacob on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.