University: Dobbs Ferry Grad Jumps To Death From Columbia Dorm

This story was updated at 11 a.m.

DOBBS FERRY, N.Y. - Martha Corey-Ochoa, Dobbs Ferry's Class of 2012 valedictorian, died early Tuesday morning after apparently jumping from a 14th floor dorm window, Columbia University announced.

Corey-Ochoa apparently jumped from the John Jay Hall window, the school announced. Reports said she was found on W. 114th St. near Amsterdam Avenue and rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, where she died.

In June, Corey-Ochoa told The Rivertowns Daily Voice that she was planning to major in English and math.

“I’m looking to get a Ph.D. and teach at a university,” she said.  “I’ll probably end up teaching mathematics, but I’d like to continue working in the English language and possibly publish some books of poetry.”

Columbia University Dean Shollenberger informed students of her death in an email, after notifying her family.

“Martha was passionate about mathematics and literature, and recognized as a very talented writer," Shollenberger wrote in his email.

Dobbs Ferry Superintendent Lisa Brady released a statement Tuesday morning calling Corey-Ochoa a “brilliant student.”

“At Dobbs Ferry High School she maintained a challenging academic schedule taking four IB classes and AP Calculus in her senior year,” Brady said in the statement. “But still managing to find the time to work on independent projects such as her novel (a political romance set in the 17th century) as well as compose music (a sonata for violin).”

That statement also said Corey-Ochoa played violin since third grade, was a member of the Dobbs Ferry High School Orchestra and participated in the Westchester Youth Orchestra and All-County Intermediate Orchestra.

 

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