Dassel-Cokato community grieves loss of student after fall at Bemidji State campus

(KMSP) - The investigation continues after a young man died at Bemidji State University after he apparently fell from a residence hall over the weekend.

A high school in Dassel-Cokato is now dealing with the loss of a second student from the class of 2018. 

The young man, Isaac Morris, was visiting friends at Bemidji State over the weekend when he plunged to his death from Beltrami County’s tallest building.

Now, as teens embark on homecoming week in Dassel-Cokato, students are shocked at the death of their classmate.

“A lot has hit us hard. How do you process?” one student said.

Morris, the former high school basketball and football standout, wasn’t a student at Bemidji but was visiting friends when he plunged to the ground from the residence hall.

Authorities are investigating and have said very little about the circumstances surrounding Morris’ incident, including whether alcohol factored into what happened.

His death comes on the heels of another tragic loss for the Dassel-Cokato community when classmate Kyle Foley was killed by an alleged drunk driver fleeing police in Sherburne County over the summer. Additionally, about a year ago, Dassel-Cokato lost another student after what the family described as a severe peanut allergy reaction.

The school’s administration is making counselors available this week for anyone needing comfort and assistance coping with their grief.

“Obviously tragedy pulls people together. I know both families here. They’ve had tons of support. Sad things happen, but people will be here for you,” Superintendent Jeff Powers said.