A college in Louisiana is mourning the death of a 19-year-old freshman cheerleader who was discovered dead after posting a lengthy “suicide” note on her Instagram page.
Arlana Miller who was a student at the Southern University and A&M College in Baton Rouge penned a heartbreaking note and posted it on Instagram hours before being found dead late Wednesday.
Screenshots of Miller’s troubling final note that made rounds on social media showed she had struggled in her classes at the historically black college where she majored in agriculture.
“I have been surrounded by people who may have honestly thought that I was okay, but I [haven’t] been okay for a while,” Miller wrote. “I struggled so much through just this year alone … to the people in my life I pray you learn to vocalize your feelings and get help always!!!”
Miller said she “failed” at following her own advice while thanking her mother.
“I pray you know I’m at rest now!” Miller’s post continued. “You would’ve given everything to see me happy …. I’m happy in the water where everything is still and peaceful. I have written so many suicide notes in my life but finally, I’ve reached my end.”
Miller said she knew she was about to let her family and friends down with her actions, however, she said her pain seemed “unbearable” to overcome.
“I’ve been dead inside for too long,” the post continued. “I’m done fighting. My battle is over and I pray everyone finds peace in that.”
As of Friday afternoon, Miller’s final post was no longer available on her profile.
The school’s administrators were notified of Miller’s social media post, which led to the “unfortunate announcement” on Thursday. The university’s president-chancellor, Ray Belton, also acknowledged Miller’s death in a statement.
“We offer our sincerest prayers and condolences to her family, classmates, teammates and all who knew and loved her,” Belton said Thursday.
Following Miller’s death, grief counselors were made available to students. According to Belton, cheerleaders and other student-athletes also received counseling on the night of Miller’s death.
The cause and manner of Miller’s death were not immediately known on Friday.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
