Naperville man hurt in fall that killed friend

A Naperville North High School graduate was injured in a recent fall from a balcony that killed his friend and classmate near Indiana University.

Joseph Lao, 20, suffered a concussion about 3 a.m. Friday after falling about 8 feet from an apartment balcony. Police in Bloomington, Ind., said a second person, Linden Whitt, 20, of Mishawaka, Ind., died of injuries from the fall when her head hit the ground.

Capt. Joe Qualters said witness reported as many as 10 people were attending a party at the apartment and many were on the balcony.

“I can only go by witness accounts at this time because I wasn’t there,” Qualters said. “But witness accounts have been consistent that (Lao) was sitting on the railing and Whitt was in front of him and attempted to reach for or help him when he lost his balance.”

Both tumbled over the rail and witnesses told police they believe Whitt may have landed first with Lao falling on top of her.

Qualters said he doesn’t believe there will be a criminal investigation.

“We’re dealing with this as a very unfortunate and tragic accident,” he said.

Paramedics took both students to IU Health-Bloomington Hospital, Qualters said, where Whitt died Saturday afternoon.