It was "teen stupidity," says Steve Pierce as he mourns the sudden loss of his 15-year-old son, Ben.
The Ann Arbor teenager died after falling seven stories from a parking structure at the University of Michigan on Tuesday afternoon, according to University of Michigan police.
Police say the teen fell from the top of the Thayer Parking Structure on campus. He was rushed to Mott's Children's Hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Benjamin Pierce was a sophomore at Huron High School.
The district says in a statement that Pierce will be remembered for his "kind and gentle good humor."
Pierce was hanging out with two other students when the accident happened.
Steve Pierce says his son was reportedly playing around when he climbed over a rail to balance on a small ledge and hang onto a sign that was attached to the parking garage. The sign gave way and Ben fell seven stories to the ground.
Ann Arbor Public Schools noted that grief counselors would be on hand at Huron High School and Clague Middle School where Ben once attended.
Wednesday evening at 7:30 pm, a prayer for Ben is being held at St. Luke Lutheran Church on Washtenaw Avenue in Ann Arbor.
Visitation is set for Friday at Muehlig Funeral Chapel, located at 403 S. 4th Avenue in Ann Arbor. Hours for the visitation are from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Steve Pierce says his son's funeral will be held Saturday at Concordia University Chapel, located at 4090 Geddes Road in Ann Arbor. The viewing starts at 10:00 am. Ben's funeral is set for 11:00 am.
