Duquesne University is in mourning today after learning that one of its own football players — second-year student-athlete Marquis Brown — died after jumping from the 16th floor of his apartment late Thursday.
"The Duquesne University community is deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred on campus on Thursday, October 4, at approximately 10:30 p.m.," the school said in a release. "A student athlete on the University's football team, Marquis Brown, a junior from Washington, D.C., in the McAnulty College of Liberal Arts, jumped out of a 16th floor window of Brottier Hall after campus police arrived in response to a reported disturbance."
Police responded around 10:30 p.m. to what was reported to be an altercation at the Pittsburgh school. Brown jumped around this time and was taken to UPMC Mercy Hospital, where he later died.
“A memorial service for Marquis is being planned on campus, likely on Sunday evening,” Duquesne President Ken Gormley wrote to students in an email. “Further information will be sent to you as it is available. Please join me in praying for Marquis, his family, and his many friends and teammates during this time of great sadness for the entire campus community. May he rest in peace.”
Brown didn't appear in any games for Duquesne in 2017, but on Sept. 1 he saw his first college action in the Dukes' second game, a win over Lock Haven. He carried the ball three times for seven yards and hadn't seen game action since. He attended high school in the Washington, D.C. area at Dematha Catholic.
