911 audio reveals moment student fell from window

Kristin Sargent, a UGA senior, fell through a window screen at the Rambler Athens apartment complex on West Broad Street Saturday evening. Newly released 911 audio captures the frantic moments after the fall as people rushed to get help.

Despite the enormous fall, Sargent survived.

The Moment Everything Went Wrong

According to Athens-Clarke County police, Sargent had been dancing on a couch or air mattress near an open window when she fell through the screen at about 7:37 p.m.

Witnesses told investigators they saw her go through the window and plunge toward the courtyard below. Emergency crews soon arrived at the apartment complex and found her on the second-floor pool deck.

The incident is believed to have been accidental, and authorities said the evidence gathered so far points to an accidental fall. The investigation remains ongoing.

A Bench May Have Saved Her Life

Investigators believe Sargent struck a cushioned metal bench during the fall.

Police documented blood on the bench cushion and found that one of the bench's armrests had broken off, evidence consistent with the impact. The pool deck was located on the building's second floor, meaning Sargent's fall was partially broken before she reached the ground.

The circumstances surrounding the fall have left witnesses and first responders stunned by her survival.

She Was Conscious When Help Arrived

Sargent was conscious and alert when emergency responders reached her and was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Her father, Richard Sargent, told local media that she suffered several broken bones and was recovering in intensive care. A later update said she was awake and talking as she continued her recovery.

Her family has remained hopeful as she recovers from the serious injuries.

Apartment Complex Responds

Following the incident, Rambler Athens reminded residents not to tamper with the safety limiters installed on its windows.

The complex said it was gathering information and reviewing the circumstances surrounding the fall while expressing support for Sargent and her family.

Authorities have not said whether the window involved had been altered or whether its safety limiter was functioning at the time of the incident.

Investigation Continues

Police are continuing to investigate exactly how Sargent ended up falling through the window.

For now, officials have said the available evidence indicates the fall was accidental. The newly released 911 audio offers a glimpse into the panic immediately afterward, while Sargent's survival has left her family and friends focused on her recovery.

After an eight-story fall, the UGA senior is now facing a long road to recovery — but she is alive and continuing to heal.

Source: FOX 5 Atlanta