**Trigger warning: This article includes descriptions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised.**
An individual was found dead in their PAR hall room on Wednesday morning, in what was apparently a hanging, according to several dispatch recordings and multiple students who live in the residence who spoke to The Daily Illini.
Neither the University nor UIPD has yet issued a statement on the situation.
Initially, the call was dispatched at 8:32 a.m. as a cardiac arrest at Babcock Hall — one of PAR’s residence halls — warranting an ECHO response, which signifies a critical, life-threatening emergency.
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At around 8:32 a.m., officers on the UPD-UIPD patrol channel described the incident and called for additional assistance.
“We’ve got a possible hanging,” one person said over the radio. “Medical is on the way.”
Approximately one minute later, the dispatcher chimed in again. They said the caller had walked in and found the victim.
“(Reporting party) I believe is either a roommate or a friend, walked into the room, saw her hanging, refusing to go back in,” the dispatcher said at 8:33 a.m. “We’re trying to figure out where the (resident adviser) is or trying to get some additional help before EMS gets there.”
Then, at around 8:39 a.m., one of the responding officers used a police code, which is a request to notify the coroner — 10-79.
“Go ahead and lock it down,” the officer said. “Start a log. I’ve got detectives and (unintelligible) coming. I’ll need a camera if somebody could bring one, please.”
Two students who live at PAR spoke to The DI and described the situation similarly, but details are sparse as of Wednesday afternoon. The sources preferred not to be named as they did not have the authority to comment publicly on the matter.
The DI contacted the University and UIPD by phone and email and is awaiting comment.
The University provides mental health services through McKinley Health Center, including emergency consults and emergency triage. To schedule an appointment, students can call 217-333-2700 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. For crises outside of business hours, McKinley’s website states that community members should call the local Rosecrance Local Crisis Line at 815-720-4953 or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
**This is a developing story. Updates will be posted as more information becomes available.**
