2 NC State student deaths reported in 24 hours, marking 14 this academic year
Two North Carolina State University students have died in the past 24 hours, the university reported Thursday.
They’re both being investigated as suicides, said NC State spokesperson Lauren Barker, making them the sixth and seventh suicides this school year. There have been 14 student deaths in total this school year, Barker said.
The deaths, which comes as students begin their final exams, come as the university initiated widespread efforts earlier this year to ameliorate the ongoing mental health crisis.
Chancellor Randy Woodson emailed a message to the university community Thursday afternoon to express his condolences and to encourage students to take advantage of the university’s counseling services.
“This is heartbreaking, and I know there’s little I can say to console the deep hurt or heal the immense grief felt by the family and friends of these young people and others we’ve lost this year,” he wrote. “What I can say is that I, along with so many caring members of our community, share in this grief.”
One student was found early Thursday near Lake Raleigh, according to ABC11, The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner, citing university police.
The second death was reported at Sullivan Hall, Barker said.
NC State has not provided further details. University spokesperson Mick Kulikowski said it’s not the university’s practice to publicly identify or announce student deaths.
Before Thursday’s deaths were reported, The N&O obtained documents showing nine of the deaths were men and three were women. Ten of the 12 were undergraduate students. Details about the identity of the most recent student are not available.
Of the other student deaths, one died in a car accident in Johnston County, two suffered “accidental deaths” and three others died from what university officials have labeled only “natural causes,” a broad term that can include long-term and sudden illness.
Woodson urged students and staff to look out for each other and to help those who might need it.
“Don’t be afraid to intervene if you think a friend is struggling, and please don’t feel ashamed if you’re struggling,” he wrote.
The Counseling Center and Prevention Services is offering drop-in times at Caldwell Hall and the Talley Student Union for counseling.
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with someone, dial 988.
Crisis Text Line is a texting service for emotional crisis support. To speak with a trained listener, text HOME to 741741. This free, confidential service is available 24/7.
Resources for NC State Students
N.C. State Wellness and Recreation provides wellness programs and services for students, faculty and staff.
The Academic Success Center provides free programs and services for students.
The Counseling Center and Faculty and Staff Assistance Program offer a variety of support services for everyone.
This story was originally published April 27, 2023 at 12:08 PM.