The California Institute of Technology community is mourning the death of Parker Thompson, a second-year undergraduate student who died by apparent suicide on campus on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. The Institute confirmed the loss in a message to students, faculty, and staff issued by Caltech President Thomas F. Rosenbaum.
Parker Thompson, originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, was a member of Ricketts House and was studying Applied and Computational Mathematics, with a strong academic interest in English. He joined Caltech in the fall of 2024 through the First-Year Success Research Institute and quickly became an active and valued member of the campus community.
Beyond academics, Parker was deeply involved in student leadership. He served as secretary of the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology (ASCIT) and was remembered by peers and faculty as an engaged, caring individual with a gentle smile and a thoughtful presence.
In his message to the Caltech community, President Rosenbaum described the loss as “tragic and sobering,” noting that Student Affairs is providing support to Parker’s friends, his undergraduate house community, and his family. In honor of Parker’s life and contributions, the Caltech flag will be lowered to half-mast for three days beginning Thursday, February 5.
University officials emphasized the importance of community care and connection during this difficult time. Students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to seek support through Student Wellness Services (SWS) and the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC). Academic accommodations are also available for students who need flexibility as they process the loss.
Undergraduate students were notified that additional campus resources would be shared in a separate email, and community members concerned about the mental health of a student were encouraged to submit a CARE Team Referral, which is open to anyone inside or outside the Caltech community.
Crisis support resources were shared widely following the incident. For Caltech undergraduate and graduate students, after-hours crisis support is available 24/7 by calling (626) 395-8331 and pressing “2.” Nationwide support is also available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741741, Trans Lifeline at (877) 565-8860, and The Trevor Project for LGBTQ+ youth.
“As a community, we remember Parker and honor his life and contributions across Caltech,” President Rosenbaum wrote. “On behalf of the Institute, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of our late student and colleague, Parker Thompson.”
