That is so awful and tbh (and I know I’ll be flamed for being honest) I’m afraid to read any of her works because I would not want her mindset. Also it’s a warning about being overly intellectual or too achievement oriented.

As a local, I have no doubt that this was a suicide (though one Princeton news outlet has stated as such, I don't think it's been officially confirmed). You'd have to go out of your way to get hit by the Dinky, which is the shortest rail line in the country, as there are clear signs and safety barriers that come down at the Faculty Road crossing where he was struck. It's of note that the pedestrian crossing is flanked by areas of tree line. It's unlikely that further news will come out on this tragedy as the University tries to keep things as quiet as possible. (and as stated by a previous anon, this was not the same place or even train line where the older son died. Vincent passed away in the next town over.)

I really loved her early work, but haven't followed her lately. How utterly tragic. Beyond comprehension. Will be thinking of her.

Yes her memoir which was sad yet I loved it. The suicidal streak is strong and generational — I hope she has a watcher and love and compassion. Poor dear woman.

James is her younger son. It is horrific. Everyone who is in her orbit just hope she feels the love surrounding her.

Wow, that’s terrible. Hadn’t heard of her until I read her moving piece in NYT recently https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/04/books/review/amy-bloom-silver-water-love-death.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare&sgrp=c-cb

Anonymous wrote:It wasn't the same train or location. And it hasn't been proven to be death by suicide. But it's incredibly sad.

Given the circumstances, I can't imagine it wasn't suicide.

It wasn't the same train or location. And it hasn't been proven to be death by suicide. But it's incredibly sad.

https://paw.princeton.edu/article/princeton-student-struck-train-was-creative-writing-son-Yiyun-Li

brings me to tears

OMG. This is horrible.

omg i heard about this and have been following it too -- so awful

That is so horribly sad, OP. I hadn't heard of this author but wow.

Not sure where to put this but feel like I need to get this off of my chest. I've been following Yiyun Li's work over the years and while she's not one of my favorite writers, I deeply respect her work. Her younger son committed suicide in 2017, after which she wrote a book called "Where Reason Ends." It's one of those books that stuck with me throughout the years and brings me to tears when I just think of it.

Today I found out that her older son committed suicide a few days ago in the exact same manner. He was a freshman at Princeton University. He jumped out in front of a train - the same train, at the same location, even approximately at the same time of day - as how his brother committed suicide.

I am so disturbed by this news and cannot imagine the grief and mental torment the parents must be feeling right now.

Take care of yourselves, everyone.