Skip to main content
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
Sections
  • All News
  • Arts & Culture
  • Business & Economy
  • Campus & Community
  • Health & Society
  • Media, Law & Policy
  • STEM
  • Veterans
  • |
  • Alumni
  • The Peel
  • Athletics
  • Home
  • About
  • Faculty Experts
  • For The Media
  • Videos
  • Topics
    • Alumni
    • Events
    • Faculty
    • Library
    • Research
    • Students
    • All Topics
  • Contact
  • Submit

Syracuse University student dies in Florence, Italy, after apparent fall from a third-floor balcony

Tuesday, April 10, 2001, By News Staff
Share

Syracuse University student dies in Florence, Italy, after apparent fall from a third-floor balconyApril 10, 2001Kevin Morrowkdmorrow@syr.edu

MariAnne McDonald, age 20, a junior illustration major in the School of Art and Design of Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA), died early Sunday (Italian time), April 8, as a result of injuries sustained from a third-story fall outside the home of her host family in Florence, Italy.  McDonald is the daughter of Dr. Lawrence McDonald and Claudette McDonald of Berkeley Heights, N.J. The parents were traveling this weekend and through Monday, and were not able to be reached until early morning Tuesday (April 10). MariAnne McDonald arrived in Italy Jan. 10 for a semester of study through Syracuse University’s Division of International Programs Abroad. Along with another SU student, McDonald was living with a host family, a short distance away from SU’s center in Florence.  According to the Florence police, a neighbor found McDonald dead, lying face down in a parking area behind the house and beneath a third-floor balcony at 3 a.m. Sunday Florence time, (9 p.m. Saturday EST). The circumstances of her death are under investigation. “I am deeply saddened by this news,” says SU Chancellor Kenneth A. Shaw. “For a life to be cut short so young is truly tragic. The thoughts and prayers of our entire University community are with Dr. and Mrs. McDonald, their family, Marianne’s host family in Florence, and her friends.” Some 360 students from SU and other U.S. institutions are studying at the Florence center this semester; 46 are VPA students. SU’s Florence program is supported by about 70 faculty and staff. The Rev. Thomas V. Wolfe, dean of Hendricks Chapel, flew to Florence late Monday to help comfort and counsel students, faculty and staff there. VPA Interim Dean Carole Brzozowski, who has been in London the past few days, was en route to Florence Tuesday. A memorial service will be held in Florence Thursday. The chaplains of Hendricks Chapel have scheduled an informal gathering at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday in the main sanctuary. The purpose is to share information, and feelings and reflections, about McDonald’s passing. SU’s Counseling Center (443-4715) and the chaplains (443-2901) are available to assist those on campus who knew McDonald. Along with the program in Florence, established in 1959, SU’s Division of International Programs Abroad operates five other overseas centers–in London; Madrid; Strasbourg, France; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Hong Kong.

  • Author

News Staff

  • Recent
  • Drama Department to Virtually Present New Theatrical Work Inspired by University’s 150th Anniversary
    Saturday, January 23, 2021, By Erica Blust
  • Professor Rahman Awarded Google Grant to Engage Underrepresented Students in Computing Research
    Saturday, January 23, 2021, By Alex Dunbar
  • Special Collections Research Center Launches Latin American 45s Digital Collection
    Saturday, January 23, 2021, By Cristina Hatem
  • VPA Faculty to Present World Premieres at Society for New Music Concert Jan. 31
    Saturday, January 23, 2021, By News Staff
  • ‘Democracy on Trial: Can We Save It?’
    Friday, January 22, 2021, By News Staff

More In Uncategorized

“People with disabilities desperately need the vaccine. But states disagree on when they’ll get it.”

Scott Landes, associate professor of sociology in the Maxwell School, was quoted in The Washington Post story “People with disabilities desperately need the vaccine. But states disagree on when they’ll get it.” Landes, an expert on the sociology of disability,…

“SU Professor says President’s Closed Social Media Accounts Fall Under Big Tech’s Terms of Service”

Roy Gutterman, associate professor of magazine, news and digital journalism in the Newhouse School and director of the Tully Center for Free Speech, was interviewed for the WAER story “SU Professor says President’s Closed Social Media Accounts Fall Under Big…

“First Amendment doesn’t guarantee you the rights you think it does.”

Roy Gutterman, associate professor of magazine, news and digital journalism in the Newhouse School and director of the Tully Center for Free Speech, was quoted in the CNN story “First Amendment doesn’t guarantee you the rights you think it does.”…

“Big Tech’s Crackdown on Donald Trump and Parler Won’t  Fix the Real Problem With Social Media”

Whitney Phillips, assistant professor of communication and rhetorical studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, was interviewed for the Time Magazine story “Big Tech’s Crackdown on Donald Trump and Parler Won’t  Fix the Real Problem With Social Media.”…

Danielle Smith writes “Images of the Capitol Riot Reflect a National Crisis.”

Danielle Smith, professor of African American studies in the College of Arts and Sciences and Director of the Renée Crown University Honors Program, wrote an op-ed for History News Network titled “Images of the Capitol Riot Reflect a National Crisis.”…

Subscribe to SU Today

If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.

Connect With Us

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
Social Media Directory

For the Media

Find an Expert Follow @SyracuseUNews
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Youtube
  • LinkedIn
  • @SyracuseU
  • @SyracuseUNews
  • @SUCampus
  • Social Media Directory
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy
  • Campus Status
  • Syracuse.edu
© 2021 Syracuse University News. All Rights Reserved.