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[UPDATED] Early Morning Suicide at NYU's Bobst Library
By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 3, 2009
Modified Nov 3, 2009
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Nov 3, 2009
Modified Nov 3, 2009
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Early this morning we received an email from an NYU student who was studying at Bobst Library. He told us that around 4:30 a.m. he heard a "huge boom" that ended up being a successful suicide attempt. He told us the "kid must have jumped from high judging from where he landed in the lobby. Couldn't tell his condition from what I saw. I was told by a cop on the scene that he didn't look good."
The NYPD confirmed that a male did jump, and is now deceased, and we are waiting for NYU spokesman John Beckman's statement about the incident. After 9 a.m., Washington Square News reported that Bobst had reopened, and tours are still being conducted.
Back in 2003 and 2004 there were multiple suicides in the library, which led to the installation of panels on the inner balconies to prevent further attempts.
UPDATE: NYU President Sexton has sent out an email to students that you can read here. And NYU Spokesman John Beckman has sent us the following statement (which is continued after the jump).
“The death of a College of Arts and Science junior early this morning in Bobst Library is a matter of great sorrow for the NYU community. In a close-knit community of young people such as ours, the death of a fellow student is always keenly felt. While the cause of this death is still being determined, indications are that he took his own life."
“Suicide among college age men and women is a national problem and a leading cause of death. In spite of the extensive systems NYU has in place to support the health and mental health of students - a highly-regarded 24-hour hotline called the Wellness Exchange; a model health center with doctors, nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, and counselors; constant reminders to students on the availability of help - we are not immune to this national challenge.
We have reminded all students again today of availability of counseling and other types of assistance through NYU’s Wellness Exchange at 212-443-9999 (or 999 from any campus phone), and we have reinforced that as a community we need to look out for one another and never hesitate to offer a helping hand or attentive ear.
The University has been in touch with the family to convey the condolences of the NYU community; our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, and loved ones of this young man. The family has asked that it be accorded the greatest possible privacy and sensitivity in this time of mourning, and we would hope that everyone would respect its wishes.”
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Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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