Mo Wings, Mo Problem: Who Fell Off W Roof?

by Matt Cockram

Everyone thinks they know the story: the climb, the fall, the break. But what exactly is the truth behind the rumours? Who is the boy that fell off the roof of Building W? Matt Cockram speaks to Moritz Hake about what happened that night, and his new found fame on campus.

In the early hours of the 17th September, rumours spread round campus that someone at the ABP party had fallen off the roof.

Moritz Hake was just a normal UCU student. He majored in Earth, Environment and Geography and was from Berlin. He liked bouldering, playing basketball, drawing and hanging out with friends. Most of that hasn’t changed, but overnight Mo and his broken leg also became the topic on everyone’s lips.

Overnight you became what in the UK we call a BNOC - a Big Name on Campus. How do you think people knew of you here before the fall?

I think people saw me around and knew that I existed, but they maybe didn’t know my name. I wasn’t very well known before.

We’ve all done stupid things when we’re drunk. You fell off a building. How did that happen?

I was at a party and I was hanging out with a friend. We knew that another friend had climbed onto the roof of W, so we joined him. I already knew that it was going to be scary climbing down because I’d done it before. I wanted to get off of the roof as quickly as possible, I didn’t want to stay there too long. I kind of just fell.

Was the reason you fell this time because you were drinking?

I was also drinking the other times I’d been up so I think I was just unlucky. I almost blame it on not having drunk enough, because I wasn’t super drunk so I felt the fear more.

What do you think of the response from the emergency services?

It was really quick. The first people to help me were the UCSA board, and when the ambulance came they struggled to put the IV in my arm and I was a little annoyed about that but I was in shock. They did a fantastic job, also at the hospital. I was really glad they were there.

I don’t fully remember everything. I don’t know if they loved me. I was on a lot of painkillers and I was saying a lot of stupid things to them while they were trying to do their job. I think I was a bit annoying. I was thanking them a lot.

What misconceptions did people have about what happened?

I heard a lot of things. I heard some people thought I’d died. Some people thought I broke both of my legs. Some people thought I fell on purpose. All of that is not true. I do feel a little bit bad because some people didn’t take it very well.

How has life changed for you since the fall?

It wasn’t a positive experience but a positive thing that I’ve taken out of it is that I never want to do anything stupid like that again.

I was extremely fortunate that I only broke my leg. The whole time I was in the hospital I was quite scared that I could have been paralyzed. I also want to discourage any of my friends from doing that.

How is recovery going?

It’s going good. I’m getting pretty quick with the crutches. I think in a couple of weeks I’ll be fully recovered.

The following morning, Martin Diedrix sent an email to the student body criticising the party culture on campus. What’s your take on the topic?

It seems like Corona is slowing down and we’re all young and it feels like we’ve lost a lot of our social time. At least for me, as a third year, we had this semester and a half where party culture was very prominent and then nothing happened for a full year. And now that things have opened up again I think everyone is excited and we want to have fun as well. It is part of the experience of going to university.

You’re a third year now, heading out into the real world. What’s next for Mo Hake?

That’s a good question. I have no idea! There are a couple of programs I’ve looked at at the UU that are all based around sustainability, sustainable development, sustainable business and innovation. Or a gap year.

First of all, once I heal, I’d like to get back into bouldering. I’ve developed a bit of a fear of heights, but I’m looking forward to building my confidence back up again.

Dearest Campus, I hope you have all had a good return from fall break, I hope the firsties are starting to feel properly at home, and I hope you are all back to dancing and partying to your heart's content.

First of all, I want to welcome our new Boomerang board members, with Monse and Nina as editors, Jana in charge of art and illustrations, and Avantika on PR. Ivan, our veteran, is of course still with us and going strong, and you have Noor to thank for the sexy Blackout layout. We wanted to start our first edition by breaking the ice, and giving you the opportunity to write anonymously, a decision which did not disappoint. Ranging from earnest love stories to insightful interviews, you all had amazing things to say. This year also brings about a whole new batch of columnists, so buckle up for some hot takes on Marvel movies, gaydar, and our dear little quad hammocks. I admit, we got off to a slightly late start this semester, but we are truly proud of this issue and the many more to come. In the meantime, I shall try my best to fill Stanley’s shoes and I hope you enjoy this edition.

Yours always,

Giulia Martinez Brenner Editor-in-Chief