Police responded to Emerson’s Little Building on Friday morning as part of a “death investigation.” College officials confirmed that the deceased was a student.
Officers were called the area of 80 Boylston St., the college’s first-year dorm building, just after 10 a.m., department spokesperson Officer Kim Tavares said in a phone interview with The Beacon.
“It is with deep sadness that we write to you today to share the news of the death of a member of our student community,” said Interim President William Gilligan in a community-wide email sent Friday afternoon. “At the request of the student’s family, we are not providing any additional details at this time.”
“During this difficult time, we ask you to be kind to each other as we collectively grieve the loss of a member of our community,” he added.
The death is not believed to be suspicious, Tavares said. Gilligan noted that, though the investigation is ongoing, there are no security concerns to the Emerson campus.
College officials “requested assistance” from police and EMS regarding a “medical emergency on campus,” according to a statement from the Emerson College Police Department released at 11:47 a.m.
“The college cannot make any additional statements about the situation at this time,” said the statement from ECPD.
Emerson’s Student Government Association released a statement on Friday afternoon, noting the availability of the college’s mental health resources like the Wellness Center and the Office of Student Care and Support.
“The Emerson College Student Government Association offers our condolences and thoughts to every party impacted by this loss,” the statement said. “The resources listed above are available to support anyone in the Emerson community. We appreciate your consideration and sensitivity toward this loss and ask for your continued respect.”
In his community-wide message, Gilligan said that counseling staff and chaplains will be available in Room 225 of the Little Building, until 7 p.m.on Friday, as well as between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Students seeking mental health resources can reach out to the Emerson Wellness Center at 617-824-8666, the Healing and Advocacy Collective at 617-824-8857, the Center for Spiritual Life at 617-824-8036, or the Office of Care and Support at 617-824-8163.
Note: A previous headline for this story has been changed to more sensitively reflect the situation. The Beacon regrets any distress the previous headline may have caused.
