Feature photo by Alyssa Williams
Story by Sidelines Editorial Staff
MTSU President Sidney McPhee confirmed that a student died on campus on Monday afternoon in a statement sent to all MTSU email addresses.
The confirmation comes after the James E. Walker library was evacuated and over ten emergency vehicles responded to the building at around 3 p.m., including the MTSU University Police Department and Murfreesboro Police Department.
“The student’s emergency contact has been notified of the student’s passing, and we are working to offer counseling support to the campus community,” the statement read.
MTSU Police transferred the investigation to MPD, following standard protocol when the case involves an unattended death, according to MTSU Police Chief Edwin Kaup. The investigation remains open under MPD, as of Tuesday, Oct. 29, said Larry Flowers, spokesman for MPD.
“There were a lot of students sobbing, friends consoling people,” said junior Hannah Wolfram, who was at the scene. The building was surrounded by a large crowd for over an hour after the incident.
McPhee’s statement confirmed that the student died by suicide.
“I want to extend our deepest sympathies on behalf of our entire community. Please reach out if you need help or support. You are not alone,” McPhee said in another statement that canceled classes on Tuesday. He added that MTSU Counseling Services in KUC 332 will be open and available for sessions beginning at 4:15 p.m. today.
The library will remain closed until further notice and writing center sessions will continue online.
“It’s a tough time…So we want to be cognisant of that, give their family and their friends and everyone some grace [including] the people…who witnessed it,” said Kaup.
If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.
This is a developing story.
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