HAYS, Kansas – Fort Hays State University is working to reach out to students after two of them committed suicide in one week.
Alis Goose was shocked when she found out one of her close friends had taken his own life this week.
“I remember asking who it was, and he said the name. I just broke down,” said Goose. “The rest of the day was a blur after that.”
It was the second tragedy to hit the Tiger community this week. A second student committed suicide just a few days later.
“Losing two Fort Hays students has been an absolute tragedy. We wish our extreme sympathies to the families and those involved,” said Shana Meyer, vice president of student affairs.
Officials say they have found no connection between the two deaths, but they have used the incidents as an opportunity to educate their students, faculty and staff. Officials are letting them know that if they want help, it’s readily available.
The university is offering group and individual counseling sessions to help students deal with the loss. Fort Hays is also sending emails to make sure everyone knows the warning signs and that help is out there.
“It's important that students if they're concerned about their friend, they get help. People can see things in us that we can't see in ourselves. We encourage that,” said Kenton Olliff, Director of FHSU Kelly Center.
Goose hopes that help will encourage students to realize that it is out there and it’s help that could literally save a life.
"I keep hoping I just wake up and realize it's just a dream, and it's not,” she said. “That's just the hardest part of it all.”
If you or someone you know needs immediate help, call The National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
