By: Gracie Tuohy
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Fayetteville police have identified the University of Arkansas student who died after falling from a balcony at the Cardinal Apartments on Wednesday, Jan. 20.
Daniel Hogue, 19, of Edmond, Oklahoma, died from the fall. His death marks the second balcony-related incident at the complex since the start of the semester.
The first incident took place on Jan. 14 and involved a female student who suffered critical injuries. Both falls occurred from fifth-floor balconies at separate apartments and have raised concerns among students and university officials.
This is the second and third fall in the past year and the second fatal fall in recent years. Fayetteville Police have not released an update or the identity of the critically injured student’s condition.
The Cardinal Apartments, located just off campus, became part of University of Arkansas housing in 2024. The apartments joined university housing to resolve on-campus housing capacity issues.
After the recent falls, students at the Cardinal Apartments are more aware of safety concerns. A freshman resident, Sophie Hoff, said the incidents have noticeably changed the atmosphere.
“There’s definitely been a lot less people in our lobby,” Hoff said. “I know that the RAs told us to stay in our room when both of these things happened. There’s been a lot less people around here.”
Since the incidents, the social scene has quieted down for students living at the Cardinal Apartments.
“I’ve definitely heard less chatters of parties happening since both of those happened,” Hoff said, “especially since the second one there’s been a lot less of everything.”
Authorities are investigating whether alcohol or drugs played a role in either of the falls.
“There’s a presumption of that, but we wouldn’t be able to say definitively until we get toxicology back,” Fayetteville Police Sergeant Mauk said.
Mauk urged students to be cautious when drinking near balconies and other elevated surfaces.
“Don’t congregate or hang out on these elevated platforms while you’re drinking,” Mauk said. “No amount of horseplay should be taking place with those conditions.”
The recent tragedies serve as a powerful reminder for students, especially freshmen adjusting to college life, to be more mindful and careful while in these situations.
“I think these have definitely shown other people to be more careful when they’re drinking or just in general with these balconies,” Hoff said. “Especially here, we’re all freshmen, so we don’t always make the smartest decisions.”
The Cardinal Apartments are conducting furniture checks the week of Feb. 3 through Feb. 7 to check the safety and quality of the furniture provided in each unit.
The University of Arkansas has resources available for students affected by the recent events and students are encouraged to reach out to CAPS or the Office of the Dean of Students.
Walk-ins are available for CAPS Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. or Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at Pat Walker Health Center on campus.
Residents at the Cardinal Apartments are also encouraged to reach out to housing staff for support.
The Fayetteville Police Department is investigating both incidents separately.
