The Iowa State Daily does not generally report on suicide attempts. However, due to the nature of this incident and its presence on campus — as well as a history of similar acts — the Daily has pursued this coverage. While the name of the student has been released, the Daily has opted to instead protect the privacy of our classmate, particularly while he remains hospitalized.

—Cavan Reagan, Editor in Chief

An ISU freshman leapt from the Memorial Union parking ramp shortly after midnight on Jan. 1.

Police officials have found evidence to indicate the man jumped from the northeast corner of the fourth floor of the parking ramp, 67 feet above the ground, said ISU Police Capt. Gene Deisinger. He said witnesses at the scene reported they heard the man say he had jumped and that he wanted to hurt himself. Witnesses also heard the man say he had taken hallucinogenic drugs earlier that night, Deisinger said.

The man survived the fall and is listed in serious but stable condition at Iowa Methodist Hospital in Des Moines, said hospital officials. “He had suffered numerous and severe injuries to his legs, arms and head,” Deisinger said.

Deisinger said police received a call after a wedding guest was leaving the Memorial Union and noticed someone lying on the ground near the parking ramp.

The Ames Fire Department, Mary Greeley Medical Center paramedics and ISU Police responded immediately to the scene, Deisinger said. Paramedics worked to stabilize the man at the scene.

There have been two other cases of individuals jumping off the parking ramp in the past 10 or 12 years, Deisinger said. Both individuals survived.

Deisinger said ISU Police regularly patrol the Memorial Union and the parking ramp. There are also video cameras inside the parking garage. These cameras are used for surveillance; however, no one was working at the tollbooth and monitoring the cameras when the attempted suicide occurred.

Michelle Hall, licensed mental health counselor at the Student Counseling Center, said although student counseling does not keep statistics on ISU students and depression rates around the holidays, the number of cases of depression around the holiday season often increases among the general population.

Hall said people who are feeling depressed should seek help if they feel life is not manageable any longer. “People should always seek help if they have thoughts of harming themselves,” Hall said.

The Student Counseling Service has full-time therapists available to students at no cost. Hall said they also have crisis counselors available at all times. Those interested can call 294-5056.