What could have been a tragic incident on Ohio University's Athens campus Friday ended safely about 5 p.m. when a university employee who had threatened to commit suicide gave up his attempt -- encouraged by student support -- and allowed police officers to take him for medical evaluation.
No one was harmed in the incident at Baker University Center, which was closed for more than four hours.
Ohio University Police Chief Mike Martinsen tonight credited the good work of local law enforcement officers with special training in crisis intervention and the involvement of caring Ohio University students.
Throughout the ordeal, small groups of students waited outside, across from the building's Court Street entrance. More than a dozen students wrote letters of encouragement to the man and asked police officers to share them with him.
Katie Pagenstecher, a former Ohio University student, was with friends at Galbreath Chapel for "Praise God it's Friday" when they got word of the incident.
"We got in a circle, and we were just praying and praying and praying," she said. "We felt we needed to go over there. My roommate (Ohio University junior Stephanie Ramsay) had the idea to collect letters. We went around and got people to write them. We were hoping it would make a difference."
It did, Martinsen said.
"The inspirational letters the students wrote to this person made a big difference," the chief said. "Shortly after the letters were read to the individual, this person gave up to authorities because he realized there were some people outside who cared for him and didn't want to see him die."
One letter read: "I know sometimes it is easy to feel alone in the world, but it is important to remember that there are people who care. Right now there are a lot of people praying for you. ... You are not alone, and you are loved."
Another student wrote: "I don't know you or what is on your mind. ... But I do know the pain and brokenness that comes from living in this world. I have suffered from depression for two years, and I know what it feels like to be hopeless at times. But I know there is more. There is beauty. You'll see it if you look."
Officers from the Ohio University and Athens City police departments and Athens County Sheriff's Office responded to Baker Center at 1:30 p.m. after receiving a report of an individual threatening to commit suicide inside the building.
With the help of the center's staff, law enforcement quickly evacuated and closed the building. Local crisis intervention experts were immediately deployed to the scene.
Martinsen singled out OUPD Lt. Steve Noftz, who communicated with the employee during the ordeal, for his role in bringing the incident to a safe resolution. He said Noftz's Crisis Intervention Team training helped him work effectively with the individual.
Baker University Center was reopened at 6 p.m.
"I'm proud of our students for reaching out to a fellow member of the Ohio University community," Vice President for Student Affairs Kent Smith said. "I'm relieved that the incident ended safely."
