It is with great sadness that the Purdue University community mourns the tragic loss of Austin Davis Fisher, a 25-year-old undergraduate student who died by suicide at the Northwestern Parking Garage on campus early this morning. The Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office officially identified Austin as the victim in the ongoing investigation, casting a pall of sorrow across campus and far beyond.
Purdue Police were called to the scene at approximately 8:15 a.m. after receiving a report that a man had hanged himself outside the parking structure. Purdue Police Capt. Song Kang confirmed that upon arrival, officers discovered Austin and immediately initiated the proper procedures.
Tragically, it was too late. Authorities believe the death to be a suicide, and a forensic autopsy is scheduled for Monday at the Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office for official confirmation.
Austin was originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and was an undergraduate student at Purdue studying cybersecurity. He also worked at Wiley Dining Court, where colleagues and fellow students described him as quiet, polite, and hardworking. He was known for his dedication to both his academic pursuits and his job, balancing responsibilities with a sense of responsibility that many admired.
“Austin was someone who carried a quiet strength,” one coworker from Wiley Dining Court shared. “He never asked for attention, but he was always there, always reliable. This news has shaken all of us.”
According to Purdue spokesperson Trevor Peters, Austin was making strides in a rigorous field, pursuing a degree in cybersecurity—a growing and increasingly critical area of study in today’s digital world. His professors and classmates speak of a thoughtful, inquisitive student who showed deep curiosity and a determination to succeed.
Tippecanoe County Coroner Carrie Costello offered a heartfelt statement following the tragedy: “Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the family, and we hope they are respected during such a difficult time.” This sentiment is shared by the entire Purdue University family, as grief and shock ripple through campus.
Purdue Police Chief Lesley Wiete acknowledged the heartbreak of the moment, noting that investigations into such tragedies are never easy but are conducted with the utmost care and compassion. Resources are being made available to students, staff, and faculty who may be affected by Austin’s passing, and campus mental health services are encouraging anyone in distress to reach out for help.
Suicide is a devastating tragedy that leaves loved ones grappling with unanswerable questions and unimaginable pain. The loss of someone as young and full of potential as Austin Davis Fisher serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and support.
While Austin’s life was tragically cut short, it is important to remember and honor the life he lived. He was a son, a student, a coworker, and a friend. He worked hard, pursued knowledge, and touched the lives of those who knew him, even if only in passing. In this moment of sorrow, let us also choose to remember the light Austin brought into the world.
