Winter Knutson Death, Obituary Ithaca, NY – The body of Winter Knutson, a 27-year-old sophomore at Cornell University, was recovered from Fall Creek Gorge on Sunday, marking a tragic incident that has left the university and local community in mourning. Emergency responders, including the Ithaca Fire Department (IFD) and Ithaca Police Department (IPD), responded to reports of a body in the gorge early Sunday morning. According to officials, the IFD was first alerted to a gorge-related emergency around 10:30 a.m. After reaching the site, firefighters discovered Knutson’s body in the water, “obviously deceased,” as described by the IPD.
Due to the challenging terrain and steep cliffs of the gorge, rescue personnel spent approximately three hours using rappelling equipment to safely recover Knutson’s body, concluding the operation around 12:30 p.m. Cornell University publicly identified Knutson on Monday, releasing a statement expressing condolences to his family, friends, and the entire university community. University officials acknowledged the tragic loss, urging students and staff to seek support and connect with mental health resources provided on campus during this difficult time.
The IPD and IFD responded to two separate gorge-related incidents involving Cornell students within a short timeframe on Sunday, underscoring the potential dangers posed by the area’s natural landscape. Fall Creek Gorge, known for its scenic views and hiking paths, has also been the site of previous incidents involving students. Local authorities and university administrators continue to emphasize the importance of safety around the gorges and have issued reminders for caution when navigating these areas.
Winter Knutson’s death has cast a shadow over the Cornell campus, where friends, classmates, and faculty are grieving the loss of a promising young life. Counseling and support services are being offered to students affected by the tragedy, and a memorial service is expected to be organized by the university in the coming days to honor Knutson’s memory. As the Ithaca community and Cornell University come together to mourn, this tragic incident serves as a reminder of both the beauty and the risks inherent in the natural landscapes surrounding the campus.
