A tragic incident has shaken the community of Collège Lionel-Groulx in Sainte-Thérèse, Quebec, after an individual reportedly fell from a staircase on campus on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the fall, which early reports suggest may have been an apparent suicide. The victim’s identity has not yet been officially released, pending notification of family members.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the incident occurred. Despite the swift response of first responders, the individual was pronounced dead at the scene. The nature of the fall and evidence at the location have led investigators to consider the possibility that the fall was intentional, although no final determination has yet been made.
Students, faculty, and staff at Collège Lionel-Groulx are grappling with the shock and sorrow of the sudden and deeply distressing event. The college administration has issued a brief statement expressing condolences to the victim’s family and urging compassion and care as the community processes the tragedy. Grief counselors and mental health professionals have been made available on campus to provide support to students and staff impacted by the event.
“This is an incredibly difficult time for our entire community,” said a spokesperson for the college. “We are mourning the loss of a life and doing everything we can to support those who have been affected by this devastating incident.”
Witnesses to the fall have been asked to come forward to assist investigators, who are working to gather as much information as possible to determine the circumstances that led to the fatal event. Surveillance footage, statements, and forensic evidence are all being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
While suicide has not been officially confirmed, the nature of the incident has prompted renewed conversations about mental health on college campuses. Advocates are urging institutions to continue expanding access to mental health resources and to foster environments where students feel safe seeking help when they are struggling.
In Sainte-Thérèse and beyond, reactions to the news have included a mix of sorrow, concern, and a call for greater awareness around mental wellness. Friends, classmates, and members of the broader community have begun posting tributes online, remembering the individual as kind-hearted and creative, while expressing disbelief and heartbreak over the loss.
As investigators work to provide answers, the focus remains on honoring the victim’s life and supporting those left in grief. The college is expected to hold a vigil or memorial event in the coming days to allow members of the campus community to gather, grieve, and begin the healing process together.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please know that help is available. In Canada, you can contact Talk Suicide Canada at 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645. You are not alone, and there is always someone willing to listen.
This tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the importance of compassion, community, and the urgent need to address mental health challenges—especially among students navigating the pressures of academic life.
