Kid went to a private prep school in DE, very active in Frat, and other orgs at WM. Seemed well-liked and involved. That's the news from the school to the parent community. So tragic.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:William and Mary has had an issue with suicide for a while. Something ain't right.

How are they reported? suicide contagion is a serious problem often attributed to the media inadvertently glorifying suicide in the way it presents the choices of the deceased. Given that student newspapers are staffed by, well, students, their coverage may be contributing to the problem unless they are getting serious training in how to handle this. Any parent who wants to address this issue should get the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's guidelines on reporting to the newspaper staff, and emphasize this point.

Great point, PP, which is why I bolded and emphasized this.

Has anyone heard any details regarding the student? Girlfriend troubles? Bullying? The timing seems odd to me. First day of class was a few days off.

Anonymous wrote:William and Mary has had an issue with suicide for a while. Something ain't right.

How are they reported? suicide contagion is a serious problem often attributed to the media inadvertently glorifying suicide in the way it presents the choices of the deceased. Given that student newspapers are staffed by, well, students, their coverage may be contributing to the problem unless they are getting serious training in how to handle this. Any parent who wants to address this issue should get the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's guidelines on reporting to the newspaper staff, and emphasize this point.

Anonymous wrote:William and Mary has had an issue with suicide for a while. Something ain't right.

+1

There were a string of suicides when I was at school there in '02-03.

This is so sad for any community. My DC wants to go there. I am a little worried because DC already has a lot of school related anxiety. I would like to think that suicides are not a reflection on the school (there was one in recent memory at DC's school also) anymore than they are a reflection on parents or friends. Some people are deeply troubled and tragically cannot be helped despite our best efforts. It would be great to hear from current W&M parents that the environment is supportive and kids have some semblance of balance there.