Family remembers McMaster student following fatal fall at abandoned factory

The parents of a 19-year-old McMaster University student are reflecting on the life and aspirations of their son following his tragic death over the Easter weekend.

Peter Pavlovsky and Katie Porter returned to Brandon Hall today, the residence where their son, Flynn Pavlovsky, lived and thrived during his first two semesters. The visit came as other students cleared out their dorms for the end of the academic year.

“Flynn really lived life to the fullest,” Peter told CHCH News. “He did what he wanted.”

The first-year student died after falling through the roof of the abandoned former Westinghouse factory off Aberdeen Avenue. The grieving parents described Flynn as a bright child who showed promise early on in Montessori school. He later became an Ontario Scholar at Hillfield Strathallan College before attending McMaster to pursue a career as a doctor in radiology.

“He didn’t always think about things in the same way that other people did,” his father said. “He always had like a ‘fresh angle’ and that was right from Montessori as well.”

The couple noted that Brandon Hall held many happy memories, but it was also the site of their final encounter. Peter recalled dropping his son off on Good Friday.

“I didn’t know. I had no clue,” he said through tears. “He just got out of the car, same as normal, ‘Hey Flynn, see you later.'”

Hours later, Hamilton police informed the couple that Flynn had fallen through the roof of the abandoned former Westinghouse factory. The parents went to the scene immediately.

“They said that he had fallen from a great height and that he didn’t stand a chance,” said Katie Porter. “We literally melted into the gravel and we prayed.”

READ MORE: 19-year-old found dead near Aberdeen Ave. deemed ‘non-suspicious’: Hamilton police

Flynn was on the roof with four friends at the time of the fall. His parents said detectives did not provide specific details regarding what led the group to the property. Today, the former factory site is marked with several “private property” and “no trespassing” signs, with security personnel stationed on-site.

McMaster University, which acquired the property in 2019, issued a statement to CHCH News regarding the state of the site and bylaw compliance.

“This remains a heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts are with all those affected,” the university stated. “We take our responsibility as stewards of this property seriously. Measures continue to be in place to help secure the site, and the property is in compliance with the City’s current orders.”

Back on campus, Flynn’s parents said they’re remembering him as a “cool” and “loving” son, as well as a “social beacon” and “trusted friend.”

“He was the guy who was ‘the glue,'” Peter Pavlovsky said. “People would go to his dorm to talk to him, he listened without judgement.”

Flynn’s mother said she hopes her son’s legacy isn’t defined solely by the accident.

“I want his short life to have some type of meaning,” she said. “I hope that it isn’t just associated with this horrible accident. He was a guy who followed his passions and worked hard.”

McMaster University will posthumously place Flynn on this year’s Dean’s Honour List to recognize his academic achievements. A funeral and celebration of life was held this past Saturday.

Flynn Pavlovsky is survived by his parents, his older sister, and his grandparents.

READ MORE: Man dies after roof fall at abandoned Hamilton building, police confirm