The Furman University community is mourning the tragic loss of Stasi Hester, a student who was found deceased in her North Village apartment in Simpsonville, South Carolina.
According to reports, the incident has been classified as a suicide, though official details remain limited. Authorities were called to the North Village apartment complex, where Hester’s body was discovered.
A message, posted on Facebook, said Stasi Hester, a senior politics and international affairs major and data analytics minor from Simpsonville, was found in her apartment Monday night.
“Stasi was more than a major or a student, and more than someone who worked at the front desk of the library,” university president Elizabeth Davis said in the post. “She was a beloved member of our Furman family, a very intelligent and caring person with a bright future who was deserving of love and acceptance. Our thoughts are with Stasi’s family, friends, and all those who knew her.
The Furman University administration expressed their condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of Stasi Hester, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another during this difficult time.
Counseling and mental health resources have been made available to students, faculty, and staff affected by this heartbreaking news.
This tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for open dialogue and support within academic communities. Furman University encourages anyone struggling to reach out for help and utilize available resources.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255).
Staff members from the Office of Spiritual Life and the Office of Student Life are also available for support, providing a comforting presence to those who are grieving.
Stasi’s loss is deeply felt across the campus, but her impact will not be forgotten. As the Furman community honors her memory, there will be future opportunities to celebrate her life and the many ways in which she touched those around her.