The Unseen Burden: A Life Lost in the Halls of LMU

When the Pressure Becomes Unbearable

Our community is reeling from the unspeakable tragedy at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles—the devastating, confirmed suicide of a student. This is not just a campus story; it is a profound, gut-wrenching moment that forces us to look past the manicured lawns and prestigious reputation to the unseen burdens carried by our young people. The pressure cooker environment of a top university—the relentless pursuit of perfection, the crushing financial weight, and the fear of failure—can become a silent, unbearable prison.

This young soul’s death is a brutal, flashing red warning sign that the existing systems are failing. They needed help that they either couldn’t find, couldn’t reach, or were too terrified to ask for. The pain they must have endured in their final moments is a devastating thought, and the grief their family and friends must navigate is unimaginable. We must transform our shock into action, ensuring this tragic loss marks an absolute and permanent change in how we view and treat mental health on college campuses.

Breaking the Code of Silence and Stigma

In a society that still often treats mental illness as a character flaw rather than a medical emergency, silence is a killer. This tragic death at LMU must be a catalyst to shatter the stigma that dictates students must appear flawless, must always be “fine.” How many more young men and women are sitting in dorm rooms right now, feeling entirely alone, thinking they are the only one struggling?

We cannot allow the fear of judgment to eclipse the desperate need for help. The police investigation into the circumstances of the death can only cover the what and how. The rest is up to us: the professors, the administrators, the peers, and the parents. We need to normalize vulnerable conversations, prioritize compassion over grades, and actively check on the student who suddenly goes quiet. A successful campus is not one with the highest GPA, but one where every student feels safe enough to say, “I am not okay.”

Action, Not Just Condolences: A Pledge to the Future

To the LMU student’s family: your sorrow is shared by thousands. We send our deepest, most heartfelt condolences for your unimaginable loss.

But condolences are not enough. This tragedy demands a pledge. We must demand increased, accessible, and high-quality mental health resources that are available 24/7. We must lobby for curriculum changes that teach emotional resilience and stress management. Most importantly, every person in the LMU community must commit to being a first responder: learn the signs, reach out, and treat every expressed worry as a legitimate emergency. Let this student’s passing be the devastating last call we heed, turning grief into a movement that ensures Not. One. More.

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or suicidal crisis, please seek immediate help. You can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline anytime in the United States and Canada.