StuVi 2 Community Shaken by Jumping Death of Non–BU Affiliated Person
A 33-year-old man jumped to his death on Wednesday evening from the 26th floor of the Student Village II residence on West Campus. Photo by Jackie Ricciardi
StuVi 2 Community Shaken by Jumping Death of Non–BU Affiliated Person
University offering counseling to community members affected by the tragedy
Editor’s note: This story contains sensitive information about suicide.
A 33-year-old man with no affiliation to Boston University jumped to his death on Wednesday evening from a window in the 26th floor study lounge of 33 Harry Agganis Way, the Student Village II residence hall on West Campus. The University says it is making counseling available to residents of that dorm.
On Friday, February 17, the University confirmed that two employees have been placed on administrative leave, pending a formal investigation into how the person accessed the building.
“We are saddened by the tragedy that occurred at 33 Harry Agganis Way last evening and are working to understand the details and provide support to our community,” said Judy Platt, BU’s chief health officer, in a statement Thursday. “As with any tragedy, we want to remind members that there are resources available for support including our crisis response counselors at SARP, mental health counselors and resources at Behavioral Medicine, and counselors at Faculty & Staff Assistance, as well as our chaplains at Marsh Chapel.”
Kelly Nee, the University’s chief safety, security, and preparedness officer, said the person’s identity has been learned. “We’re not releasing it yet because the autopsy has not been completed, and I’m not sure all the family has been notified,” Nee says. “It’s a 33-year-old male from Cambridge, unaffiliated with the University.
“Why he was here and how that building was selected, we do not know,” Nee says. “But it is part of our ongoing investigation,” which began when the BUPD responded to the scene at 11:20 pm Wednesday.
Nee also said “there is no ongoing threat to the BU community as a result of this incident.”
Boston police and the Suffolk County district attorney are investigating the death, David Zamojski, BU’s assistant dean of students and residence life director, wrote in an email to students on Thursday.
“At this time the investigation is continuing and we can only share limited information,” he wrote. “This is certainly a traumatic event for those of you who may have witnessed the commotion or heard about the incident secondhand.
“Your health and well-being remains our top priority,” Zamojski wrote. “Please take care of yourselves, each other and be in touch if assistance is needed.”
Direct outreach is being made to those who were known to be involved with this tragedy, but we encourage all members of our community to reach out for themselves or on behalf of one another. Student Health Services and Residence Life are collaborating to provide on-site support, and crisis counselors are available at Student Health Services Behavioral Medicine, 881 Commonwealth Ave., 617-353-3569, and Crisis Counseling, 930 Commonwealth Ave., 617-353-7277. Marsh Chapel chaplains may be reached at 617-353-3560, for all members of the community, and faculty and staff are encouraged to reach out to the Faculty & Staff Assistance office by calling 617-353-5381 or through its website.
StuVi II houses more than 950 students in two towers. The 26-floor north tower houses juniors and seniors in apartments; the 19-story south tower provides suites to sophomores, juniors, and seniors.
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