Student witnessing suicide in MTSU library speaks before campus vigil

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV) – A vigil was held at Middle Tennessee State University on Wednesday after a student committed suicide in the campus library on Monday.

A student who was in the library when the tragedy occurred shared a message for those struggling with the situation.

William Dawson said he spends hours at the MTSU library almost every week and never imagined the building would become the site of such a tragedy.

“I was really heartbroken to see someone who just wanted him to see that there was still more time and a chance to feel better,” Dawson said.

Dawson said he has been struggling with an indescribable feeling since Monday afternoon when he and dozens of other students were in that library.

Dawson said the afternoon took a turn with the appearance of an unrecognizable loud noise.

“There was a noise that wasn’t immediately recognizable, and then we all stood up and finally realized what was happening,” Dawson said.

Before he knew it, paramedics rushed to the scene. Police said 21-year-old Serenity Birdsong died by suicide.

Hundreds of students fill the first section of MTSU's James E. Walker Library, sharing... — Hundreds of students fill the front section of MTSU’s James E. Walker Library, sharing messages of hope for those struggling(WSMV4)

MTSU student Denarika Hubbard said she was not in the library that day and instead heard about what happened a few hours later.

“When I heard about what happened, I was initially very sad because being a member of the LGBT+ community really hurt me,” Hubbard said.

The MTSU Student Government Association organized the vigil in hopes of sharing resources with as many students as possible.

“I think this here proves to all of us that she was loved too, even if she didn’t see it at the time,” Birdsong’s friend said.

Another friend, Birdsong, added: “Serenity may no longer be with us in person, but her memory, her laughter, her friendship and her love will forever be a part of who we are as a community.”

Flowers and signs were placed at the entrance to the library, and MTSU’s president and student leaders delivered messages to the audience, then sang and reminded students that councilors and other forms of assistance were available.

Dawson said he hopes enough messages were shared during the vigil that could have saved the life of someone else fighting.

“I think people need to be more and more open to the idea of finding professional mental health help, to realize that you don’t have to become another tragedy and that there are so many opportunities to be happy.” Dawson said.