In a tragic turn of events, Purdue University senior Ernesto Tangassi Lucio, a 21-year-old computer science major and a beloved Resident Assistant (RA) at Earhart Hall, died by suicide on Saturday, November 9, 2024. Originally from Aguascalientes, Mexico, and a graduate of Zionsville Community High School, Lucio passed away from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at the Applied Ballistics gun range in Lafayette, Indiana. His death has shaken both the Purdue community and his hometown, prompting a wave of grief and calls for mental health awareness.
Incident Details: The Final Moments at Applied Ballistics
The incident reportedly occurred late Saturday evening at the Applied Ballistics indoor gun range in Lafayette. According to the Lafayette Police Department, Lucio entered the range, leased a handgun, and practiced shooting on the indoor targets. When staff members signaled that the range was closing and that it was time to pack up, Lucio unexpectedly turned the gun on himself. Staff members, having left the immediate area, heard the gunshot, triggering a swift response.
An emergency 911 call was placed around 7 p.m., and paramedics quickly arrived on the scene to transport Lucio to a local hospital. Tragically, despite emergency efforts, he was pronounced dead early Sunday morning. The Tippecanoe County Coroner’s Office has confirmed that an autopsy is scheduled for Monday to officially verify the cause of death, though police have indicated that surveillance footage clearly showed the wound as self-inflicted and the act as intentional.
Community Reaction: Purdue University Mourns a Promising Student
The death of Ernesto Lucio has left the Purdue University community devastated, with faculty, friends, and fellow students deeply affected by the sudden loss. Lucio was not only a senior majoring in computer science but also a dedicated RA in Earhart Hall, known for his kindness, diligence, and commitment to helping others. Known for his academic excellence, Lucio had made the Dean’s List and earned Semester Honors in Spring 2024, a testament to his hard work and dedication.
Purdue University spokesperson Erin Murphy expressed the institution’s condolences in an official statement, saying, “We are saddened anytime we experience the death of a student, and we offer our deepest sympathies and support to his family, fellow students, friends, and all those affected by this tragedy.” The statement emphasized the availability of mental health resources for students and faculty, reminding the community of Purdue’s ongoing commitment to providing support in times of crisis. The Purdue Student Help and Crisis Line has been made readily available, with counselors and support staff standing by to assist anyone struggling with grief or in need of assistance during this difficult period.
The university is also planning a campus memorial service, where classmates, professors, and friends will have the chance to gather and pay their respects to Lucio. Purdue’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) team is mobilizing additional counselors and creating safe spaces where students can process their emotions, share memories, and find the support they need to navigate this time of sorrow.
Remembering Ernesto Lucio: A Life of Academic Excellence and Compassion
Ernesto Tangassi Lucio was a young man of notable accomplishments, with a life dedicated to academic success and community involvement. Hailing from Aguascalientes, Mexico, he moved to Indiana as a teenager, where he attended Zionsville Community High School. His former high school teachers and classmates remember him as a kind, respectful, and intelligent student with a quiet determination. Lucio’s success in high school led him to Purdue University, where he pursued a degree in computer science, a challenging field that demands rigorous study and technical skill.
Lucio’s achievements at Purdue were a source of pride, not only for himself but also for his family and friends. In addition to making the Dean’s List, he earned Semester Honors for the Spring 2024 term, marking him as one of Purdue’s standout students. His dedication to his studies was accompanied by his commitment to his role as a Resident Assistant in Earhart Hall, where he was known for fostering a supportive and welcoming environment. Lucio was always ready to lend an ear to students dealing with the stresses of college life, making his loss even more profound for those who relied on his compassionate presence.
Mental Health Awareness: A Growing Concern in University Communities
Lucio’s tragic death has underscored the importance of mental health awareness and the need for accessible support resources for students, particularly within high-stress academic environments like Purdue. Nationwide, colleges and universities have seen increasing rates of mental health struggles among students, with factors such as academic pressure, financial stress, and the challenges of transitioning into adulthood contributing to a rise in anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Purdue University, like many institutions, has taken steps to provide mental health resources, but Lucio’s passing has reignited conversations about the adequacy of these programs. Many students and faculty members are calling for more comprehensive support systems, including peer support networks, mental health workshops, and 24/7 counseling availability. University officials have stated that they are reviewing their current offerings to ensure that all students have access to the care they need, especially during periods of academic intensity or personal hardship.
Dr. Linda Carmichael, Director of Purdue’s Counseling and Psychological Services, emphasized the importance of seeking help and reducing the stigma around mental health care. “The stigma surrounding mental health issues often prevents students from reaching out,” Dr. Carmichael stated. “We want students to know that it is a sign of strength to seek help, and that resources are available around the clock to provide support.”
A Call to Action: Community Leaders Advocate for Change
Lucio’s tragic death has prompted leaders in both the Purdue community and his hometown of Zionsville to advocate for improvements in mental health support. In addition to counseling services, advocates are calling for more resources to help students manage academic pressure and cope with feelings of isolation or overwhelm.
Tamara Harris, a mental health advocate and Purdue alumna, has urged universities to consider mandatory mental health workshops as part of freshman orientation programs. “Many students arrive on campus unaware of the emotional toll college can take,” Harris said. “By making mental health awareness a core part of the educational experience, we can create a culture where students feel empowered to seek help when they need it.”
Local officials in Zionsville, too, have spoken out, with community organizations expressing their commitment to supporting mental health initiatives in memory of Lucio. Plans are underway to hold a memorial walk to raise awareness about suicide prevention and to honor Lucio’s life. The event will serve as a reminder of the importance of community support and the need for open conversations about mental health challenges.
Family and Friends Mourn Ernesto Lucio’s Passing
For Lucio’s family, the news of his passing has brought unimaginable grief. Friends and relatives remember him as a caring, intelligent, and humble young man who had a bright future ahead. In the wake of his death, his family has requested privacy to process their loss but has expressed their appreciation for the support they have received from both the Zionsville and Purdue communities.
Friends of Lucio have described him as a compassionate soul who was always willing to help those around him. Close friends recounted fond memories of his enthusiasm for learning, his love for technology, and his ambition to make a difference in the world. In a statement released by a family spokesperson, Lucio’s loved ones expressed hope that his death would serve as a reminder of the importance of mental health care and community support, particularly for young people navigating the complexities of college life.
A family-organized fund in Lucio’s name has been established to support mental health awareness and suicide prevention initiatives in the local community. Donations to the fund will go toward expanding resources for students in Zionsville and at Purdue, ensuring that others have the support they need during challenging times.
University and Community Tributes: Honoring Lucio’s Memory
In addition to the memorial service planned at Purdue, community members in Zionsville are also preparing a candlelight vigil to honor Lucio’s life. Friends, teachers, and classmates from both his high school and university are expected to attend, reflecting the widespread impact he had on those who knew him. At Purdue, students and faculty members are creating a digital tribute wall where members of the community can share memories, express their condolences, and offer messages of support to his family.
Conclusion: Moving Forward with a Renewed Commitment to Mental Health
The tragic death of Ernesto Tangassi Lucio has left an indelible mark on both Purdue University and the broader Zionsville community. His passing serves as a sobering reminder of the need for comprehensive mental health support for students, particularly within high-stress academic environments. Both Purdue officials and community leaders are taking steps to enhance mental health resources, honoring Lucio’s memory by working to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the community mourns the loss of a promising young life, they also strive to carry forward his legacy by fostering a more supportive and compassionate environment for all. Through increased awareness, advocacy, and action, Purdue and the community at large hope to create a world where every student feels seen, supported, and empowered to seek help when facing challenges.
