Another Worcester Polytechnic Institute student has died, the school confirmed today. The student was found dead in their off-campus apartment over the weekend, a school spokesperson said. WPI has not released the student's identity, and the manner of death is under investigation.
This is the seventh WPI student death since July 2021. Earlier this month, the school announced that two students died while away from campus: one from a seizure and the other by suicide. Altogether, at least three of the recent deaths were suicides. WPI officials said they are urgently trying to address mental health issues across campus.
The school has established a mental health and well-being task force and expanded programs for students and employees on managing stress. The university also plans to open a center for well-being this year that will teach students about stress management and fostering social connections.
"We have experienced tremendous loss this academic year, and we are actively working to help our community," WPI said in a statement. "We are focusing on providing resources to those most directly impacted, and we continue to expand the ways in which we support our students, families, faculty, and staff."
The statement noted that continuing news of deaths at WPI could exacerbate students’ mental health and lead to additional suicides.
This is a developing story.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255.
