Two RISD Students Die in One Day

Two RISD Students Die in One Day

Two students died at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) on Thursday, February 20, GoLocal has learned. 

"We can confirm that two students tragically passed away yesterday in separate incidents," RISD Associate Director of Public Relations Danielle Stead Mancuso told GoLocal. "At this time we do not believe the two tragedies are related, and there is no imminent threat to our campus community."

RISD did not release any additional information regarding the deaths.

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On Friday, RISD President Crystal Williams urged members of the college community to seek support from available school resources if needed. 

 

Williams' Letter to RISD Community

I am devastated to inform you of the death of another student last night. RISD Public Safety is cooperating with Providence Police to investigate this second incident. 

While the investigation is active, and RISD officials are in contact with the student’s family, we are unable to release any details.  At this time we do not believe the two tragedies yesterday are related, and there is no imminent threat to our campus community.

Losing two students in one day is an incomprehensible loss for our community and to the families. The days ahead may be difficult for many of us as we grapple with the meaning and realities of such loss. I urge each of us to embrace generosity and kindness and to be patient with one another. Navigating grief, especially in complex times, is hard–and in a community as tightly knit as ours, the best balm is lovingness. So please exhibit as much of it as you can.

Students seeking support from Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) may request an appointment with a counselor by calling 401 454-6637. CAPS will be open today from 8:30am-4:30pm. Outside of CAPS hours, any student who calls that number will still reach a live person therapist who can assist. Students may also contact Student Life via email at [email protected] to be directed to available campus resources.

For any faculty or staff needing personal support, Coastline EAP, our Employee Assistance provider, offers confidential counseling and referral/resource services 24 hours a day at 800 445-1195.

Once again, we encourage anyone who needs support to take advantage of these resources. In addition, we ask anyone who is concerned about the wellbeing of a RISD community member to contact RISD Public Safety at 401 454-6666, our counseling office at 401 454-6637, or to submit a Concern Assessment Response Evaluation (CARE) referral.