WARNING: This story discusses an incident of self-harm
Curtin University, Western Australia’s largest university is offering counselling to students and staff after one student brought a gun to the campus and took his own life.
The 27-year-old students died on Wednesday 18 October in a room within the engineering faculty at the main campus in Bentley.
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He was in possession of a large handgun at the time, but authorities have not confirmed whether he held a valid firearm licence.
WA Police, responding to the incident, reported that the young man was found with a “self-inflicted fatal injury.”
Police said that the death was not considered suspicious, and a coronial report is currently being prepared to investigate the circumstances.
In response to the tragic event, Curtin University issued a statement expressing its shock and sadness over the sudden loss.
The statement read, “Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends. We will continue to provide wellbeing and counselling support to affected staff and students.”
Curtin University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Ogden described the student’s death as “tragedy”.
“I am deeply saddened to share the news of the sudden death of a Curtin Science and Engineering student overnight on campus in Bentley,” he said.
“My condolences and thoughts are with his family, friends, cohort and colleagues during this distressing time.”
If you or anyone you know needs help in dealing with issues related to self-harm or mental health, several support services are available, including the Suicide Call Back Service, Lifeline, Kids Helpline, and others, as mentioned in the story.
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis support line 13YARN on 13 92 76
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- ReachOut at au.reachout.com
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