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SVSU closes campus Friday following employee suicide

Posted at 11:58 AM, Nov 13, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-13 12:01:16-05

UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. — Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) announced this morning that the campus would be closed Friday, Nov. 13, following what was deemed a continuing public safety situation.

In a statement released later this morning, SVSU confirmed that this closure was due to an employee committing suicide Thursday night.

University Police sought aid from other law enforcement agencies, and police negotiators spoke with the individual throughout the night.

Despite those efforts, the employee died by suicide in the Science West building around 6:30 a.m.

No students were involved in the incident, and no one else was injured.

“We grieve over this loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the individual’s family,” said SVSU President Donald Bachand in the statement.

Students, faculty and staff may receive counseling through SVSU’s Employee Assistance Program by calling 1-800-854-1446 or visiting unum.com/lifebalance. More information on counseling options available for students can be found here.

This remains an ongoing investigation.