On Friday, March 8, a vigil was held at the University of Connecticut for a student who passed the prior day. The vigil was organized by fellow students, with an emphasis on the importance of mental health and staying together as a community.
Around 9:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, UConn Police and Fire personnel responded to an incident outside of South Garage on Jim Calhoun Way, where it was reported that an individual fell from a high level of South Garage onto the pavement. Shortly after the incident, the individual was taken to Windham Hospital with serious injuries. Students were alerted to avoid the area until the scene was cleared at 11:39 a.m.
Later, the individual was identified as a male undergraduate student at the University of Connecticut. The individual died of their injuries shortly after arriving at Windham Hospital. UConn Police have launched an investigation but have not found any criminal or suspicious elements.
The vigil for the student was held at South Garage at 2:00 p.m. Students, including undergraduate and graduate students, attended to remember and pay tribute.
Mariam Gebril, a sixth-semester psychology major, organized the vigil. She spoke on the reasoning behind it and how the student community came together to honor a fellow student.
“Although I organized the spread of information on my own, if it wasn’t for the other students, graduate and undergraduate that showed up, it would not have been possible. We came to a collective understanding that we were willing to confront uncomfortable feelings or situations in the honor of a life and awareness to the situation,” Gebril said.
Attendees brought items including flowers and teddy bears with the UConn logo on them. There were also candles and notes of condolences. Some students attended in silence while others talked and supported each other.
“Some students showed up in silence. Others were open to talk with one another. Some of us exchanged numbers for whenever we need someone to talk to. When there was a good, comfortably talkative crowd present, I spoke a little on how we students need to be there for each other if the university won’t, the importance of paying respects as soon as possible, how vigils can help us process as a group, and how not everyone knows how to process these emotions,” Gebril said.
Gebril concluded by stating the importance of showing up for every student and supporting each other through hard times.
“I wanted to hold it as soon as possible to show we will not let time pass and forget over a supposedly relaxing spring break. We show up for any student on campus regardless of their name, background, or religion. I also wanted students to confront these uncomfortable, maybe even familiar feelings for college students, in a healthy manner together, for one another,” Gebril said.
For information regarding mental health resources available on campus, visit Student Health and Wellness’ Mental Health resources.