College professor Rudolf Alexandrov leaps to his death in front of his class - and his wife

A Philadelphia college was rattled Wednesday by the suicide of a math professor who leapt to his death as his wife and horrified class looked on.

Adjunct professor Rudolf Alexandrov was teaching at Chestnut Hill College when he suddenly became agitated and walked out of class.

Mr Alexandrov, 71, then retued to the classroom in St Joseph's Hall and shouted before running to a second-floor ledge in the hall's rotunda.

The Philadelphia Daily News reported that campus security officers were called, but when they arrived, he dived head-first over the railing.

Shock: Rudolf Alexandrov fell 20 to 30 feet to his death after diving off a second floor ledge in St Joseph's Hall

He fell about 20 to 30 feet to his death.

A source told the Philadelphia Inquirer: 'It was the most horrifying thing ever. I heard bloodcurdling screams.'

Mr Alexandrov’s wife Olga, 56, who also works at the college as an adjunct professor, witnessed the fall - as well as his students.

Lt Robert Zaffino of Northwest Detectives said the professor 'had a history of depression.'

He said Mr Alexandrov 'had been having suicidal thoughts and mentioned harming himself in the past.'

Officers were called to the Mr Alexandrov’s home last week after he went missing, but he was found wandering the neighbourhood a short time later.

In a statement, the college expressed its sympathy.

'We offer our prayers and condolences to all Alexandrov family members and friends at this time of great sorrow.'