Dear campus community,

It is with heavy hearts that we inform our campus about the death of a 19-year-old University of Utah international undergraduate student. The death occurred this morning off campus and the Salt Lake City Police Department is investigating. Police have indicated that the situation was likely a domestic violence situation. A 26-year-old man, also a U student, has been arrested in connection to the investigation. There is no ongoing threat to campus.

At this time, the name of the victim is being withheld until her family can be notified. Our campus mourns her loss and grieves with her family and friends.

We know this news is difficult to process and will affect members of our campus community—especially those who are survivors or close to survivors of domestic violence.

We urge anyone in need of support to reach out to those around them and university resources for help (list below). The university’s Counseling Center is open to students, and the Employee Assistance Program provides counseling to employees. The Utah Domestic Violence Coalition is also a resource—call 1-800-897-LINK (5465). Additional campus resources and information are available at SafeU.utah.edu.

The death of any young person embarking on adult life is devastating. And, unfortunately, domestic violence is more prevalent than many of us are aware, even among college students. On behalf of the university, we extend our heartfelt grief and sympathy to the family, friends and classmates of the victim during this incredibly difficult time.

Keith Squires
Chief Safety Officer

Lori McDonald
Vice President for Student Affairs

Support and Resources

• Counseling and support services are available from several entities on campus:
  • Center for Student Wellness (victim-survivor advocates, bystander intervention training): 801-581-7776
  • University Counseling Center (students only): 801-581-6826
  • Employee Assistance Program (staff): 801-587-9319 or 800-926-9619
  • Housing and Residential Education (available 24/7): 801-587-2000
  • Huntsman Mental Health Institute crisis line (available 24/7): 801-587-3000
  • International Student and Scholar Services: 801-581-8876, international@utah.edu
  • Mental Health First Responders (MH1): (after-hours crisis support from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. for campus residents only) 385-324-5356
  • Women’s Resource Center, 801-581-8030, wrc@sa.utah.edu
• Other support and resources are available at the SafeU website, through the SafeUT app 24/7 chat, and through the U’s Basic Needs Center. Additional support and resources are provided by:
  • American Indian Resource Center: 801-581-7019
  • Black Cultural Center: 801-213-1441
  • Center for Disability and Access: 801-581-5020, info@disability.utah.edu
  • Center for Equity and Student Belonging (CESB): 801-581-8151
  • Dream Center: 801-213-3697
  • Independent Review Committee: complaints about public safety personnel may be reported to the Independent Review Committee at irc@utah.edu
  • LGBT Resource Center: 801-587-7973
  • Office for Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action, and Title IX: 801-581-8365
  • Office of the Dean of Students: 801-581-7066
  • Office of Inclusive Excellence: 801-587-7580
  • Veterans Support Center: 801-587-7722, vetcenter@sa.utah.edu