The University of Southern Mississippi Suicide Investigations – Law enforcement agencies were called to the campus of The University of Southern Mississippi following a tragic incident on Thursday. According to reports, a large number of police vehicles were seen at the Southern Miss Parking garage around 7 p.m. According to locals, a heavy police presence was seen in the area of Thad Cochran Center Parking (the university’s parking lot in Hattiesburg, MS). A student of the University of Southern Mississippi was reportedly pronounced dead at the hospital after jumping on the fifth floor of the parking garage.
The school has urged those affected by the tragic incident to reach out for help. Hattiesburg Police and the University Police Department are investigating the incident. According to a student who prefers to remain anonymous, law enforcement agencies were called to the scene for a report of a suicidal person, the unidentified subject jumped and landed on the ground. Responding officers transported them to an area hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. The law enforcement agencies are continuing to investigate the incident.
Student Counseling Services (SCS) is proactively reaching out to friends and others close to the student to offer their assistance. Should you need immediate assistance, walk-ins are welcome at SCS’s office in Bond Hall. SCS can also be reached at 601-266-4829 during regular business hours and at 601-606-4357 (HELP) after 5 p.m. and on weekends. In addition, counselors will be available today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 to 5 p.m. for group counseling in Room A of the R.C. Cook Student Union and for individual sessions in Union Room 227.
Faculty are encouraged to allow flexibility for students who may have been affected by the incident. Other available resources include:
• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be reached by calling 1-800-273-8255.
• If you are concerned about a friend, classmate, or anyone who is part of the Southern Miss community, you may anonymously complete a CARES report. If your concern requires immediate assistance, call University Police at 601-266-4986.
• The University also offers an Employee Assistance Program for faculty and staff. Through the EAP, highly trained clinicians will listen to concerns and help you or your family members with any issues, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
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