Editor’s Note: This story contains information related to suicide which may be triggering for some readers.
On Nov. 16 at 7:10 a.m., WSU Vancouver police investigated an on-campus suicide incident. Students, staff and faculty were notified by text or phone call from the WSU emergency alert services with two messages, spanning from 7:41 a.m. and ending at 8:41 a.m., sent by Lynn Valenter, vice chancellor for finance and operations.
Campus police reported the individual was male and not affiliated with WSU Vancouver. Within an email sent at 12:51 p.m. by Chancellor Mel Netzhammer, new information about the victim was released. According to the statement from Netzhammer, the individual was 79 years old, and “. . . drove onto campus from the 159th Street access. He called 911 to say someone had been shot on campus and hung up. … We do not believe the victim had a relationship to WSU Vancouver. Regardless, he was a member of our greater community, and we extend our condolences to his family and friends.”
The victim’s family was notified, as emergency medical services and police officers have responded to the scene near the back entrance of campus.
There was no danger to students, and the scene is presently all clear. The VanCougar will keep students updated as new information is released. Campus public safety has no new details to release at this time.
Suicide is not a natural response to trauma, and recovery is possible.
Outlined by the National Institute of Mental Health, the warning signs of suicide include talking about wanting to die, experiencing guilt, shame or feeling like a burden to others. Behaviors of an individual may also change with the presence of mood swings, withdrawing from friends and family, increased drug and alcohol consumption or taking dangerous life-altering risks. If you or someone you know displays any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to not leave the person alone, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room during a crisis and let them know there is help available. During such uncertain times, it is important for everyone to reach out to their fellow peers, friends and family members.
Below is a list of mental health and suicide prevention resources:
National Suicide Prevention Hotline: (800)-273-8255
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
WSU Vancouver Counseling Services: (360)-546-9238
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Alliance on Mental Illness resources: https://www.nami.org/Home.
For students, WSU Vancouver Counseling Services is available for virtual counseling sessions. A limited number of same-day appointments are available. Call 360-546-9238 or email van.counseling@wsu.edu
For faculty and staff members, the Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling and referral services.
Olivia is a senior studying English at WSU Vancouver.