U of I student from Franklin Park dies after fall from balcony on Unofficial St. Patrick's Day

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WLS) -- A University of Illinois student from west suburban Franklin Park died after falling off an apartment building balcony in Champaign, Ill. Friday night, police said. The incident occurred on what is known as "Unofficial St. Patrick's Day" in Urbana-Champaign.

Champaign police responded to the first block of East John Street at about 10:36 p.m. and found 23-year-old Jonathan Morales unresponsive.

Morales was transported to Carle Foundation Hospital where he was later pronounced dead, police said.

Morales was a communications major from Franklin Park and residing in Champaign.

According to a preliminary investigation, Morales' fall was accidental, police said.

Racheal Romo, who said she was Morales' aunt, set up a GoFundMe page Saturday to help cover the cost of Morales' funeral services.

Romo wrote that Morales was "a wonderful, happy spirited young man who loved dancing and music" who was "a friend to many."

"You clearly left many of us with loving memories that we will forever cherish," she wrote.

As news of his death spread, dozens took to Facebook to express condolences to his family and share memories of Morales.

Morales graduated from East Leyden High School in Franklin Park in 2011.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of Jonathan. Our thoughts and support are with the Morales family in this difficult time," said East Leyden Principal Jason Markey.

His autopsy is scheduled to be conducted Saturday.

Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this story.