Dear parents and families,
It is with a heavy heart that we are forwarding along the message below. The Duke University community has experienced an incredible loss with the passing of two undergraduate students in the past three days. We are deeply, deeply saddened to share this email. Families, friends, and all members of our community will be at the forefront of our thoughts.
- Parent and Family Programs
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Dear students,
The Duke community has learned today of the passing last night of Raj Mehta, a member of the Class of 2022 in the Pratt School of Engineering. Raj died by suicide at home. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Raj’s family and friends at this time. Raj’s family shared with me today that Raj loved the Duke community. In turn, family, friends, students and staff had tremendous regard for Raj and felt a great connection to him.
I would like to share with our community that suicide is a complicated act that is usually the culmination of several health and life factors that converge in a person’s life, including behavioral health conditions such as depression. Sometimes risk factors and warning signs are not identified or noticed; other times, a person who is having trouble will show more obvious symptoms or signs.
Please encourage one another to seek the support needed during this time and encourage utilizing the additional resources below that may be helpful. Know that the Duke community is here right now—here with you and here for you. We encourage every student to connect with a friend, a trusted mentor, family member, or our team here at Duke.
As we come together, to grieve, and to support each other, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are currently working to set up times tomorrow for students to connect with CAPS counselors and other Duke support. If you need to speak with someone tonight, our after-hours services remain available via UNC HealthLink—call 919-966-3820 to speak with someone.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, the national network of telephone crisis hotlines, is 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the Crisis Text Line— text “START” to 741-741.
Thank you for joining me as the Duke family sends our support and condolences to the Mehta family and to Raj’s friends and loved ones.
Sincerely yours,
Mary Pat McMahon
Vice Provost/Vice President of Student Affairs
DukeReach will help you identify support services from among the variety of resources across campus or in your local community. You can contact DukeReach at 919-681-2455 or by emailing dukereach@duke.edu.
Religious Life at Duke offers a wide range of student supports. Visit their website to connect with clergy from any of Duke's diverse faith groups.
The Jed Foundation has many resources for college age students and families. Text “START” to 741-741 or call 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
