University Public Policy, Planning and Management senior Timothy D. Buras, 22, died Saturday night after falling 14 stories down a chimney shaft while visiting a friend at a downtown Portland apartment complex.
Portland Fire and Rescue found Buras buried beneath three to four feet of ash at the bottom of the chimney shaft in the building’s boiler room at 11:55 p.m. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators believe Buras climbed to the chimney area and stepped onto the covered shaft, according to the Associated Press.
“There was a ladder leading up to it that was blocked off,” AJ Jackson, a spokeswoman with the Portland Fire Bureau, told the Associated Press. “Somehow they took extraordinary measures on their own to get up there, which basically means they were someplace they weren’t supposed to be.”
Buras, who was studying non-profit administration, transferred to the University last year after working with non-profit organizations in Chicago and Oakland, Calif. He is remembered by students and faculty for his contagious enthusiasm, laughter and dedication to social issues.
“He’s the kind of student that I saved stuff for,” said Renee Irvin, an assistant professor in the PPPM department. “I would see something and think ‘Oh, Tim would be interested in this.’ He found everything interesting, he was a really fun student.”
Buras was planning to graduate in spring and wanted to pursue a career working for non-profit organizations.
“Knowing Tim is like being a sports fan,” Irvin said. “Looking forward to watching his career trajectory, you just knew he would be doing amazing things for the world because he already is.”
PPPM assistant professor Richard Margerum teaches a senior capstone class in which Buras was enrolled. During Monday’s class, Margerum dropped the class discussion to allow students to talk about Buras.
“There are a lot of really nice memories,” Margerum said. “Students mentioned his enthusiasm and his laughter and that he was very dedicated to social issues.”
“He is a wonderful young man and an excellent student,” PPPM Department Head Jean Stockard said. “He got along very well with both faculty and fellow students. He’s very dedicated to trying to help other people.”
Buras may be awarded his degree posthumously. The Office of the Registrar makes the decision and there is a stringent set of guidelines and criteria for awarding the degree.
“I don’t know the process, but we would like to pursue (the degree),” Margerum said. “If it’s up to us as a department we will certainly acknowledge his work.”
There will be a memorial service on campus for Buras during the first week of spring term. A member of the Buras family will attend
the service.
University student dies after falling 14 stories
Daily Emerald
March 9, 2005
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