Police have confirmed the deaths of two New York University students just two days apart. Last Thursday, February 15, 19-year-old student Jacqueline Borgil was found unconscious and unresponsive in Lipton Hall. This is usually where new students are accommodated. The boy, from Hempstead, New York, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
The body of another student, Doria Sarti, was found outside the school’s Barney Building on Stuyvesant Street, where the art department is located. The Hinsdale, Illinois, resident was found unconscious around 7:30 p.m. There was so much trauma to her body that it looked like she had jumped or fallen. She was taken to Bellevue Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
People close to Sarti’s family said they did not believe he died by suicide and said it was an accident. They noted that an investigation by the city medical examiner is pending, according to the New York Post.
The deaths have raised questions about adequate mental health services in schools. Here, annual tuition and food costs him more than $84,000.
“We’re getting mental health accommodations here, and it’s almost like winning the lottery,” said Chelsea Rowley, a 22-year-old junior. Mr Rowley added that counseling services were understaffed and there were some glitches with the mental health chat app. “Even if you do get it, it’s just crumbs,” Laurie said.
Other students accused the school of failing to warn the campus community about Sarti’s death. “I didn’t receive any emails or anything. It’s frustrating,” said Sen. Stepany.
At least four students at the school have died by suicide since 2018. “The death of a young man is a source of sadness for the NYU community,” said university spokesperson John Beckman.
For some people, talking about suicide can be a trigger. But suicide is preventable. If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
