If you, an alum, hear that a professor died, presumably by a self-inflicted wound, what should you do?

Question

I heard from another alum that one of our professors committed suicide, but I cannot find anything about it in the local media. What should I do to verify this? Is it kosher to write another faculty member and ask what happened?

The professor who presumably died is not a long-time faculty member. This professor was only on the faculty for a year.

Answer 1

I recently saw something about one of my former professors on my college's website. But I had no way to verify anything. So I wrote to the head of his department and inquired about him.
I don't think there's anything wrong with inquiring about this person from a reliable source but you shouldn't pry for details. You can send a note telling your colleague that you've heard rumors about this professor (without elaborating further) and that you're concerned about him and his family.
Once your colleague is able to confirm or deny that the professor in question is deceased (even if he leaves out the details), you can then proceed to send the man's family a note of condolences.

Answer 2

Perhaps, but only if you have a close personal relationship with that faculty member. Keep in mind that faculty are people first, faculty second. Be sensitive to those who might be mourning the loss of a longtime friend and colleague. Explain why you are contacting them, and state that you care about the deceased/his or her family, etc. Ask if there is anything that they might share with you about the deceased's passing, rather than outright inquiring about suicide. Hope this is helpful!

Answer 3

I'd pick up a phone, and call the university. This doesn't seem to be an ethical question. Call and ask, verify the facts!