The students of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) are mourning the death of a fellow student, who was found dead near the main campus' Bauerle Road Garage on November 6, 2024.
Trigger warning: This article mentions s*icide. Reader discretion is advised.
The victim, only identified as a doctoral student, likely took their own life, the university confirmed Wednesday, according to San Antonio Current. In a social media post on November 6, 2024, UTSA told students to steer clear of the area near the main campus' Bauerle Road Garage due to police activity. The post shared on Wednesday read:
"Runners, there is police activity near the Bauerle Road Garage. Please avoid the area.”
An hour later, UTSA announced that a doctoral student was found dead at the Bauerle Road Garage Wednesday morning before condoling the loss of a young life.
In a statement to students, UTSA President Eighmy confirmed the doctoral student likely took their own life and urged anyone struggling to cope with the loss to seek help.
“I know an unexpected loss like this can feel overwhelming and may impact you differently; however, please know that you are not alone, and support is available.”
Tributes pour in as UTSA student dies in parking garage
In the wake of the loss, the students of UTSA took to Reddit to express their grief and confusion over the tragic incident. In a string of posts, students alleged the victim was Jose Bruno Del Rio-Malewski, a PhD student in Dr. Hutchinson's lab. A Reddit page dedicated to the victim read:
“You will be missed. Check in on each other. No one deserves to struggle alone with mental health. Please reach out for help!”
Meanwhile, another student paid tribute to the late student, saying:
“RIP Jose Bruno Del Rio-Malewski. He was a PhD student in Dr. Hutchinson's lab.”
Tributes came pouring in from several students who knew the victim. A Reddit user said:
“The sweetest soul to live, RIP sweet Bruno.”
Another Reddit user, who appeared to know the victim, noted:
“Bruno was a dedicated and collaborative student, and he will be greatly missed, especially by Dr. Hutchinson’s lab.”
A student revealed Bruno was a native of Mexico City before adding a memorial was being organized at Bauerle Road Garage by those who worked with him in the doctoral program. In a touching tribute, the student added:
“Bruno loved axolotls and was extremely proud of his heritage and culture. He loved being from Mexico and loved to talk about how his uncle fought in battles fighting for Mexican independence. If you’d like to leave any of these things or anything related, please do.”
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The victim was described as an innately sweet, intelligent, and kind person. The incident comes six months after another UTSA student took their own life in May.
The University announced students in emotional distress can utilize counseling services through Wellness 360 and TimelyCare or call its 24/7 crisis hotline at (210) 458-4140.
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