“A freshman cheerleader at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana has died, university officials announced Thursday,” TODAY reported.
A freshman cheerleader at Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, has died. https://t.co/1KcWxfDBG5
— TODAY (@TODAYshow) May 6, 2022
Just another teen. When was the last time you have witnessed this massacre. pic.twitter.com/baedfmv69F
— Informed NJ Nurses (@InformedNJNurse) May 6, 2022
Per TODAY:
Arlana Miller was a freshman from Texas majoring in agriculture on the Baton Rouge campus and a member of the school’s cheerleading team, according to a statement released Thursday by university president-chancellor Ray L. Belton. The school did not release her cause of death. NBC News reported she was 19 years old.
“Our entire campus community is deeply saddened by the untimely death of Arlana Miller,” Belton said in the statement while offering condolences to her friends and family.
The university’s athletic director Roman Banks said in a statement Thursday that the night before, around 9 p.m., the athletic department was notified of “a social media post which ultimately led to this unfortunate announcement.” The statement then shared information about counseling resources for students, specifically student-athletes.
Freshman Southern University Cheerleader Dead at 19 After Social Media Post Was Flagged to School https://t.co/htmFwD3XvT
— People (@people) May 6, 2022
While no cause of death has been publicly released, People suggested Miller’s death was related to mental health.
“May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience,” the school added.
Roman Banks, the university’s director of athletics, also spoke about mental health in a tweet about Miller on Thursday.
Jaguar Nation it has been a Very tough day, please pray for our Jaguar Family as we mourn the loss of Arlana Miller. Anyone who needs to talk my door is always open. Please check on your loved ones as mental health is REAL and depression is REAL. Gone to soon https://t.co/9Qf8SJ1rLc
— Roman Banks (@CoachBanks_SU) May 5, 2022
Suicide has reportedly impacted several universities in recent weeks.
James Madison softball canceled the remainder of its season following the death of 20-year-old Lauren Bernett.
James Madison Softball Cancels Remainder of Season Following Sudden Death of Star Catcher
Wisconsin runner Sarah Shulze died April 13th, and Stanford soccer goalkeeper Katie Meyer passed away March 1st.
University of Wisconsin track star Sarah Shulze dies at 21 https://t.co/3T7xkI7XNo via @nbcnews
— CatT 🌻🇺🇦Reigning Typo Queen🌻👑 🚫DMs!💉💉💉😷 (@typo_cat) April 30, 2022
