Gambrell Hall – a major classroom building on the campus of the University of South Carolina – was suddenly and unexpectedly closed to faculty, staff and students on Friday morning.
“Gambrell Hall is closed today until further notice,” a tweet from the school noted. “Classes in that building (only!) are canceled. Faculty and staff, please work from home.”
The 140,000 square foot building houses the school’s history department, government and international studies department and “Southern Studies” program.
What happened?
According to our sources, a female graduate student committed suicide inside the building. Her body was discovered early Friday after her mother reported her missing.
Details are not immediately available but the 31-year-old student, said to be of Asian ethnicity, reportedly hung herself inside the building … on her birthday.
Very sad …
The investigation into this apparent suicide will be led by the University of South Carolina police department, but we’re told other law enforcement assets have been called in to assist with the inquiry.
We’ll be sure to let our readers know if we uncover any additional information. In the meantime, our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victim.
Also, if anyone reading this post is dealing with issues that have them questioning whether to take their own life, please – call a friend. Or, use the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK.
UPDATE: Gambrell Hall has now been reopened following the investigation.
UPDATE II: Our editorial column responding to criticism of this post.
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