University Student Viktoria Grinkevich Falls to Her Death After Trying to Take Selfie

An undated photo of the exterior of the European Humanities University in Vilnius, Lithuania. Courtesy of European Humanities University

Family and friends are mourning the sudden loss of a university student who fell to her death while trying to take a photo on May 18.

European Humanities University student Viktoria Grinkevich, 19, died after losing her balance in the early hours of the morning at a student hostel in Vilnius, Lithuania.

The second year media and communications student from Belarus had been trying to take a selfie photo of herself against the nighttime city lights when the tragedy happened.

Her friends, who witnessed the accident unfold, told Vilnius Police she climbed over the handrail on the 10th floor balcony before losing her balance and rapidly descending 90 feet to the ground.

Paramedics arrived at the scene in an ambulance vehicle soon after the accident and tried to revive her for half an hour before she passed away.

The European Humanities University (EHU) expressed its condolences for the sudden loss of Grinkevich.

“Students, teachers and all members of the university community are shocked by the tragedy,” EHU said on Facebook. “We mourn and express our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Victoria. Next week, EHU will provide psychological assistance to students.”

In a longer statement on the university’s website, EHU described Grinkevich’s sudden loss as unfortunate.

“The European Humanities University regrets to report the tragic demise of student Victoria Grinkevich ... EHU is ready to support the family of Victoria,” it said in a public statement. “Vilnius Police Commissariat [is] investigating the circumstances of the tragedy. The student affairs service will provide psychological assistance to students.”

The Belarus Foreign Ministry confirmed it had received news of Grinkevich’s death.

“The Belarus embassy is in touch with the law enforcement agencies of Lithuania,” Ministry Spokesperson Anatoly Glaz told the Daily Mail.

The news shocked several social media users who wondered why so many youths are risking their lives for a great picture.