The family of Dayanara Nicole Urbina Ruiz, a 21-year-old UCLA communications student and Amazon marketing intern, is questioning the circumstances surrounding her death after she fell from an open window in her Seattle apartment on Thursday.
Ruiz died from multiple blunt force injuries after an unintentional fall from the Trailside Seattle Apartments, according to the King County Medical Examiner. Emergency dispatch records indicate a friend called 911 at approximately 9:19 p.m. to report Ruiz was "extremely intoxicated," running into the street, and attempting to enter strangers' vehicles while the caller tried to bring her back inside.
While authorities have ruled her death an accident, Ruiz's family has challenged the account of her final moments. Her sister, Catherine, told The California Post that the behavior described in the 911 call did not align with the responsible young woman they knew, stating her sibling was not prone to becoming "sloppy or too drunk."
Catherine also reported speaking with the friend who was with Ruiz, who said the two had been drinking since around 4 p.m. and that Ruiz became combative when it was time to go home. The family emphasized Ruiz's responsible nature, citing her previous internship abroad and her role as co-president of UCLA's fashion club.
Ruiz was an active member of Phi Lambda Rho Sorority Inc.'s UCLA chapter, where she served as a source of support and compassion for her peers. The organization remembered her as "a bright light, a gentle soul, and someone whose kindness touched everyone around her."
Her family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover funeral expenses, describing Ruiz as someone who "was always there for anyone in need and ready to help."
Amazon, Ruiz's employer for the summer internship, released a statement expressing deep sadness over her passing and offering condolences and support to her family and team.