Student dies in USC Greek Village, president confirms. Authorities investigating
A University of South Carolina student died Tuesday of an apparent suicide, President Bob Caslen said in a statement.
A call came in after 11 a.m. regarding a death in the Greek Village near the 500 block of Blossom Street, according to Richland County Coroner Gary Watts. That is where many of the school’s fraternity and sorority houses are located.
Authorities closed roads and began investigating.
In Caslen’s statement, he encouraged students to be aware of the resources the school has for treating mental health issues and coping with grief. Those in need of services can call 803-777-5223 for free 24-hour access to a counselor.
“In times like these, we must come together and support each other as one university community,” Caslen said. “Please know that we stand with all of you, and as Gamecocks, we gain strength by helping one another through difficult times.”
Students can also seek mental health treatment at walk-in sessions at the Thompson building on Monday through Friday and at the Center for Health and Well-Being on Sundays.
USC’s Student Body President Luke Rankin also encouraged his fellow students to seek help.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of a student in the Carolina Community,” Rankin said in a statement. “During these times it is not only difficult to lose a friend but to lose a member of our family. It is never easy to go through something like this but know that you are not alone and we are here to support you.”
Like Caslen, Rankin provided the phone number for the university’s counseling services, and included the number for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline — 800-273-8255.
“During your low points, do not be afraid to seek out others for help, and do not be afraid to speak out if you see someone struggling,” Rankin said in the statement. “In these times it is important that we lean on each other.”
Many students were leaving one of the fraternity houses at about 12:30 p.m. At least five police cars were on the scene from the Columbia Police Department, USC Police Department and SLED.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREWhy did we report on suicide?
Discussion of suicide can be difficult, especially for people who may already be thinking of harming themselves. As a general practice, The State does not report on suicides unless they involve prominent individuals or occur in public places. In the case of this story, we felt the incident warranted fact-based reporting accessible to members of our community.
The State generally does not identify individuals who die by suicide unless it is a public figure.
The State maintains rigorous standards when reporting on public health issues like suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255, or calling or texting 988, or texting HOME to 741741.
People dressed in clothes with fraternity and sorority letters hugged and cried on the street near one fraternity house.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is leading the investigation, spokesman Thom Berry said to The State. SLED investigates all deaths on college campuses, Berry said, as required by the Jessica Horton Act.
USC’s Student Health Services tweeted it has a variety of ways to offer help, including group and individual counseling sessions.
“In the aftermath of a campus tragedy, it’s normal to feel sadness, anxiety, fear or any mix of these emotions,” Student Health Services tweeted, saying it is ready to help any student with a counselor.
This story was originally published August 27, 2019 at 1:20 PM.