October 21, 2010 Michigan student commits suicide on campus www.privateofficer.com
Corey Jackson, a 19-year-old Oakland University student, was found deceased outdoors on campus, said Sam Lucido, university campus police chief.
“We have no indication that bullying-type activity was occurring,” said Lucido. “We have talked with two people — one who was a student — who were close to Corey Jackson and they have said that was not an issue.”
Asked if Jackson left a note, Lucido said he had not yet addressed that issue with media.
People who were not students observed Jackson, a sophomore from Warren, in a wooded area on campus, Lucido said. Jackson lived in a campus dorm.
Students and campus staff were notified of his death at 7 p.m. Tuesday. Campus police are continuing to investigate the incident. The Oakland County medical examiner confirmed his death was a suicide by hanging.
Jackson graduated from Warren Woods Tower High School in 2009 and was in the university’s class of 2013, according to his Facebook page.
The campus newspaper, The Oakland Post, reported Jackson was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. Members were planning to wear black ribbons to honor Jackson.
Facebook comments express the sadness many students feel at the news.
“It is so tragic when someone this young dies,” wrote Tricia Sawdon, “especially because of a reason like this. I am so sorry for everyone.”
Isis Nicole wrote that Jackson had helped her carry a TV up the stairs on the day students moved into their dorm rooms.
“I’m sure you are at peace and are in a better place now,” she wrote. “RIP Corey, you, your family and friends are in my prayers.”
Nicholas Brewer of West Hollywood, Calif., said he grew up in Detroit “and it isn’t the easiest place to be gay. I was fortunate enough to have the support and love that has kept me happy and alive to find out that it does in fact get better.”
Jackson died the day before Spirit Day, a nationally designated day to wear purple to honor and commemorate the number of gay teens who recently committed suicide in the United States.
Melissa Pope, coordinator of Oakland University’s Gender and Sexuality Center, said students who had heard about Jackson’s death had been coming into the center.
“This is a great loss to the (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) teens after so many suicides nationwide,” Pope said.
She reported many OU students were wearing purple clothing and purple ribbons on campus Wednesday.
Pope said she had learned that across the country, nine gay teens have committed suicide in the past two months.
“Students have been gathering at the center seeking and offering support and participating in this national day of mourning for all lost,” Pope said.
Pope said Jackson was not a regular visitor to the center, “but a lot of students did know him.”
Source:Tribune
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