Penn State mourns the deaths of 2 College of Information Science and Technology students
The Penn State community is mourning the deaths of two University Park students in the same college over the Presidents Day holiday weekend.
The two University Park students were both studying in the College of Information Sciences and Technology, and each died in separate incidents. One was a full-time sixth-semester student from Huntingdon Valley and the other, a member of the Alpha Phi Delta fraternity, was a full-time student from Arizona set to graduate in the spring, according to the university.
A student at Penn State’s Harrisburg campus also died over the weekend, said Damon Sims, vice president for Student Affairs.
“Our university community can never be immune to such tragedy. But neither is it accustomed to the loss of multiple students in such a brief time,” said Sims in a message to students. “We are all bound together at Penn State — students, faculty, and staff alike — by the various purposes and activities that bring us here. ... But in these moments of deep sadness, we are drawn together even more closely by our shared sympathy for the families and friends so profoundly affected and our wish to comfort.”
In a statement, the Penn State Interfraternity Council said it is offering “our deepest condolences” to the family and friends of the University Park student who was a fraternity member. “We want our community to know that the IFC is here to support anyone who has been affected by this tragedy.”
He died by suicide, according to Centre County Coroner Scott Sayers. In a statement, national Alpha Phi Delta Vice President of Public Relations Joe Bell said the student was found Sunday at the fraternity house he shared with 19 other brothers.
“Penn State Student Affairs is in touch with his family and will offer any and all necessary support,” said the university in a statement. “Student Affairs staff, including staff from the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life and Counseling and Psychological Services, have also been onsite to support those that lived with him in the Alpha Phi Delta house.”
The Huntingdon Valley student’s death is still under investigation. It is not known where he died. Sayers said his toxicology results are expected in four to six weeks. Penn State said it is providing counseling services “for anyone in need” at the student health center on campus.
“We are devastated by the recent passing of two of our students and send our sincerest condolences to the families and friends (of the students who died),” said Andrew Sears, College of IST dean, in a statement. “This loss is difficult to comprehend, and we are working to provide our students and community with access to the resources and support they need to mourn and remember these young men.”
Penn State and IFC pointed to the following resources for students, staff and faculty:
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS)
- studentaffairs.psu.edu/counseling
- Phone: 863-0395
- 24-hour Crisis Line: 1-877-229-6400
IFC
- Contact healthandsafety@pennstateifc.org for information on resources and counseling
Pasquerilla Spiritual Center
- Phone: 865-6548
- spiritual@psu.edu
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- 1-800-273-8255
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor
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