On Sunday, May 4, 2025, 22-year-old Rawan Nasser, a senior student at the Faculty of Science at Zagazig University, died after falling from the fourth floor of her faculty building.

The incident happened during regular class hours and left both students and faculty in shock. It also raised urgent questions about how something so devastating could happen on campus without warning.

A Fall in Broad Daylight

Rawan was found with critical injuries in the faculty courtyard. She was taken to Zagazig University Hospital, where doctors confirmed her death.

The Public Prosecution was notified immediately and launched a full investigation, including a forensic examination of the scene and her body.

Footage Shows She Was Alone, But Many Questions Remain

Surveillance footage showed Rawan on the rooftop by herself in the final moments before the fall. No one else appeared near her in the footage. While this suggests there was no physical altercation, authorities have made it clear that the investigation is ongoing.

They are now exploring whether factors such as institutional negligence, academic pressure, or emotional distress may have contributed.

University Officials Respond, but Students Are Still Waiting for Answers

Dr. Hilal Afifi, Vice President for Education and Student Affairs, confirmed that the university submitted all relevant footage and documentation to prosecutors and is cooperating with the investigation. He urged the public to wait for the official findings before drawing conclusions.

Meanwhile, rumors spread online claiming that Dr. Gamal Abdel Aziz, Dean of the Faculty of Science, had been arrested. He denied these claims and said he has not been summoned or questioned, and continues in his position.

Rawan’s Family Seeks Truth, Not Speculation

Rawan’s father told local media that the family is not accusing anyone at this point but is deeply unsettled by what happened. He described Rawan as emotionally stable, focused on her studies, and showed no signs of distress in the days leading up to her death.

The family is now waiting for the results of the forensic report, hoping it will bring clarity to the situation.

Grief on Campus Turns Into Protest

The news of Rawan’s death spread quickly, and students across the university began expressing their shock and sorrow. But what started as mourning quickly became a movement.

Many students voiced frustration over what they described as a lack of proper safety measures and mental health support on campus.

Students Demand Change

Within days, protests broke out at Zagazig University. Students demanded answers and called for change, urging the administration to take responsibility and improve safety and wellbeing policies.

Demonstrators called for independent investigations, better oversight of campus infrastructure, and proper psychological support services.

Longstanding Safety Concerns Resurface

Several students shared that rooftop areas across the university are easily accessible and not consistently monitored. Others spoke about the overwhelming academic pressure, particularly in demanding faculties like science, and the lack of accessible mental health resources.

The incident has reignited a national conversation about how universities in Egypt handle student safety and mental wellbeing. Many are now calling for comprehensive reforms, not just within Zagazig University, but across all higher education institutions.

The Investigation Continues

Prosecutors have taken statements from students, faculty members, and security personnel. While early reports confirm Rawan was alone at the time of the fall, investigators are still reviewing whether this was an accident, a suicide, or a result of institutional failure.

The final forensic and legal reports are expected to provide more definitive answers.

A Tragedy That Can’t Be Ignored

Rawan Nasser’s death is no longer viewed as an isolated case. It has become a symbol of broader problems facing students across Egypt—insufficient safety measures, the absence of mental health infrastructure, and a culture that often overlooks the real pressures students face.

As the investigation continues, one thing is certain. Justice for Rawan is not just about finding out what happened that day. It’s about making sure universities are safe, supportive environments where no student feels invisible, unheard, or unprotected.