River Falls, Wisconsin – University of Wisconsin-River Falls students are back on campus after the winter break, finding themselves amidst a mental health crisis that has plagued the institution. The tragic deaths of sophomore Isabella Chavira on October 3, junior Sabrina Hagstrom on October 31, freshman Jasmine Petersen on November 3, and junior Mason Crum on November 26 have left the student body of just 5,000 in shock and disbelief.
The obituaries of the three women revealed that they had each battled with depression and ultimately took their own lives. Despite no apparent connection between the students, the university has been left grappling with how to comprehend the unusually high number of suicides within a short span of time. Laura King, the vice chancellor of student affairs, noted that after the second suicide, the university became aware of a potential larger problem on campus, prompting them to offer thoughtful support and communication to the campus community.
In an effort to prevent further tragedies, faculty utilized an algorithm to identify 200 at-risk students for mental health crises, reaching out to them weekly. Following the deaths, a “postvention” plan is being developed by a campus committee to enhance mental health support services for returning students. Provost David Travis shared that the challenges faced by some students may be related to a lack of coping skills developed during the COVID-impacted period of late middle school to early high school.
As the university prepares for the spring semester, there is cautious optimism mixed with trepidation, as faculty and staff consider potential mental health challenges that may arise. The community has rallied around UW-River Falls, offering support and solidarity in the face of such profound loss. While suicide clusters are rare, the institution is determined to prioritize the well-being of its students, offering enhanced support services and creating a safe space for open discussions on mental health.
The tragedies have shed light on the importance of mental health awareness on college campuses, prompting discussions on how institutions can better support students during challenging times. While the grief and shock of the recent events linger, UW-River Falls remains committed to moving forward, fostering a campus culture that prioritizes mental health and well-being for all its students. With the spring semester ahead, the university strives to create a supportive environment where students feel empowered to seek help and engage in open conversations about mental health challenges.