Syracuse University Student Dies after Trolley Collision

Erin Lyons, SYRACUSE, NY – A Syracuse University freshman died Tuesday night after colliding with an SU trolley on the intersection of Waverly and Comstock Avenues.

Trevor D. Pierce was studying political philosophy at the College of Arts and Sciences and was a student in the Renée Crown University Honors Program, according to a statement from Dean of Students Marianne Thomson. He lived in Sadler Hall and was a member of the Honors Living Learning Community in Sadler. He was 18 years old.

“Trevor will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” said Thomson in a campus-wide email. “This is an unthinkable loss for Trevor’s family, friends and loved ones and the entire Syracuse University community. Please join me, Chancellor Kent Syverud and our Orange family in extending our deepest sympathy and condolences to all who knew and loved Trevor. We send our support, thoughts and prayers to everyone grieving and impacted by Trevor’s death.”

Several police cars and ambulances responded to the scene around 5:23 p.m. on October 13. Officers taped off the intersection of Waverly and Comstock avenues.

Pierce was transported to Upstate Hospital in critical condition, according to a Syracuse Police Department press release.

A Department of Public Safety officer on the scene confirmed Pierce was skateboarding when he was hit by a trolley.

One student said she witnessed paramedics performing CPR on someone in the street.  There appeared to be blood in the middle of the intersection with an evidence marker nearby. A skateboard and a cellphone were on the sidewalk near an evidence marker and a bag of ice.

In a statement, SPD said they are investigating the collision.