As a semester marked by unspeakable horrors and heartwrenching events draws to a close, the Penn community is faced with yet another tragedy. For the second time in as many months, the University must cope with the loss of a student.
The discovery of Anirban Majumdar's body Sunday morning puts an end to the mystery surrounding his disappearance two weeks ago. What remains unclear is how and why the 25-year-old died.
The police and the medical examiner are trying to determine whether Majumdar's death was the result of an accident or whether he took his own life. At the same time, Vice President of Public Safety Maureen Rush has said that "we will probably never know what happened."
For those who loved Anirban, this uncertainty is be devastating. It is imperative that the authorities do all they can to find out what happened. We are confident that they will.
This has been a difficult semester for everyone here at Penn, as it has been for the rest of the country and the rest of the world. It seems that each day brings us more reason to grieve. But those who are having trouble coping with the myriad tragedies of the last three months need not suffer in silence.
When Wharton junior Jose Joseph jumped to his death less than one month ago, we emphasized how important it was that the University community come together and support each other. Following this most recent tragedy, it is vital that we again unite to support those among us who grieve for Anirban.
And those within the community who need help working through their feelings about this tumultuous semester should never hesitate to utilize the resources the University provides. Counseling and Psychological Services, Student Health and the Reach-a-Peer Helpline are always available to students who want someone to talk to or a shoulder to cry on.
