A freshman cheerleader at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana died this week after posting an alarming message on social media, school authorities mentioned.
Arlana Miller, 19, was a freshman from Texas and a member of the school’s cheerleading workforce.
“Our entire campus community is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Arlana Miller, a freshman who was majoring in agriculture on the Baton Rouge campus,” Southern University’s President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton mentioned in a assertion Thursday.
The school didn’t disclose how she died.
The college’s athletic division mentioned she died after posting on social media.
“On May 4, 2022, at approximately 9PM, Southern University Athletic Department was notified of a social media post which ultimately led to this unfortunate announcement,” the assertion mentioned.
She allegedly shared a ultimate Instagram publish, speaking about loss of life and her historical past with suicidal ideas. Though it was faraway from her web page, screenshots of the publish have been circulated on social media.
It referenced her struggles over the previous yr with school, Covid-19 and tearing her ACL.
The school’s athletic division famous her loss of life occurred throughout Mental Health Awareness Month, “a time to raise awareness of mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience.”
Both the college and athletic division mentioned counseling is offered for all college students and student-athletes.
“We ask for your prayers, love and support. Our deepest sympathy to The Miller family, SU Cheer, & friends. We love you Arlana #ForeverJag,” athletic director Roman Banks and the school’s athletic division mentioned within the assertion.
University police referred remark to Southern University officers, who didn’t instantly reply to NBC News’ request for remark.
Miller’s loss of life comes amid a rash of student-athlete suicides which have solid a highlight on pressures college students face academically, mentally and bodily.
Since the start of March, three high-profile faculty student-athletes have died by suicide throughout the United States: Katie Meyer, a star goalkeeper on Stanford’s soccer workforce; Sarah Shulze, a high runner for the University of Wisconsin-Madison; and Lauren Bernett, a standout softball participant for James Madison University.
Student-athletes typically can really feel like there may be an excessive amount of on their plates and put a strain on themselves to carry out at the very best stage, in response to specialists.
The household of Shulze, 21, mentioned in a assertion on April 15: “Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of every day life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment.”
If you or somebody you recognize is in disaster, name the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, textual content HOME to 741741 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/sources for extra sources.