WARNING: This story discusses self-harm.
The university is offering counselling to students and staff at Western Australia’s biggest university, who are in shock after the student brought a gun to the campus and took his own life.
The 27-year-old Curtin University student died on Wednesday evening, 18 October, in a room in the engineering faculty of the Perth university’s main campus.
He was in possession of a large handgun at the time, but WA Police have not confirmed if he was a licensed gun holder. The police spokesperson told media the death was not suspicious and that he was found with a “self-inflicted fatal injury”. A coronial report is being prepared.
The shocking news comes just one day after the WA government unveiled plans to become the first Australian jurisdiction to limit the number of guns someone can own under proposed firearm law reforms.
A spokesperson for Curtin University said the organisation was shocked and saddened by the sudden death.
“Our condolences and thoughts are with his family and friends,” the uni’s statement read. “We will continue to provide wellbeing and counselling support to affected staff and students.”
In an email sent to science and engineering students this morning, Curtin University Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark Ogden described the man’s death as a “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.”
Mr Ogden urged anyone in need of support to contact the campus Student Wellbeing Advisory Service. Flexibility around assessments for impacted students will be made available.
Support is available
If you or anyone you know needs help:
- 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
