Photo: Southern University Twitter
Arlana Miller, a freshman at Southern University, died after releasing an alarming Instagram post detailing her struggles and suicidal thoughts.
A Texas native, Miller was 19-years-old and a cheerleader at Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana, NBC News reports.
Thursday's (May 5) statement from the HBCU read, "On May 4, 2022, at approximately 9 PM, Southern University Athletic Department was notified of a social media post which ultimately led to this unfortunate announcement."
Southern University President-Chancellor Ray L. Belton said in a statement, “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.”
The school didn't state how Miller died.
In the now-deleted Instagram post, Miller recounted her battle with an ACL tear, the pandemic, and school work.
The alleged final message before Miller's death reads in part, "May this day bring me rest and peace. I have fought this urge since my early teenage years... I gave this life all the fight I had."
Amid the tragic news, Southern University and its athletic department said they have made counseling available to support students and student-athletes.
Athletic director Roman Banks said in a statement, “We ask for your prayers, love, and support. Our deepest sympathy to The Miller family, SU Cheer, & friends. We love you Arlana #ForeverJag,”
According to NBC News, Southern University's athletic department noted Miller's death occurred during Mental Health Awareness Month, which is "a time to raise awareness of mental or behavioral health issues and to help reduce the stigma so many experience."
Reading about Black trauma can have an impact on your mental health. If you or someone you know need immediate mental health help, text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor. These additional resources are also available:
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
The National Alliance on Mental Illness 1-800-950-6264
The Association of Black Psychologists 1-301-449-3082
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America 1-240-485-1001
For more mental health resources, click HERE.
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