University Staff Member Died By Suicide on Campus

Editor’s note: If you or someone you know may have suicidal thoughts, you can call the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat online at 988lifeline.org

A Princeton University staff member died by suicide on campus Sept. 13, Julie Willmot, director of communications for Mercer County, told PAW via email.

Willmot identified the deceased as a 31-year-old woman, and she is listed on Princeton’s Facilities site as a custodial supervisor. PAW is not including her name out of respect for family members and because she is not a public figure. 

The University announced on Tuesday afternoon that a staff member died, access to Green Hall might be limited, and an investigation was ongoing. The Daily Princetonian reported that as of 6 p.m. that evening — less than an hour after Princeton sent its message to the community — the building appeared to be operating normally. Green Hall houses the Department of Art and Archaeology, the Center for Culture, Society, and Religion, and other faculty and administrative offices. 

The University declined to comment the day after the staff member’s death and the following day when the cause of death was provided by the county. 

Willmot said, “We don’t typically report deaths by suicide if they are private,” but an exception was made as “the incident took place at the victim’s place of work.”

The University’s alert on Tuesday also included links to resources, such as counseling services, for those seeking support on campus.