51ĀŅĀ×

51ĀŅĀ× mourns the death of William Taggart ā€œTagā€ Hauschild, 23, who was found deceased at Strouds Run State Park on Friday, March 8.

Hauschild, a native of Athens, was in his final semester of pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics in the College of Fine Arts.

ā€œIt is with great sadness that we share with you that our oldest son Tag made the tragic decision to take his life on Monday, March 4. We were blessed to be with Tag for 23 wonderful years,ā€ Hauschildā€™s father, Bill Hauschild, said. ā€œAt times like these some of humanityā€™s deepest questions often come to the forefront of our minds. It is easy to become discouraged and fearful and question the existence and goodness of God. Our faith is important to us. Instead of demanding the answer to the question, ā€˜why?ā€™ we are choosing to focus on: How does God want me to view this situation and how does He want me to respond? We know that Tagā€™s life matters and are holding firm to His promises in .ā€

51ĀŅĀ× Dean of Students Jenny Hall-Jones encouraged students, faculty and staff to take advantage of University resources as they cope with the loss.

ā€œTag Hauschild will always be a member of the Bobcat family,ā€ Hall-Jones said. ā€œWe offer our most sincere condolences to Tagā€™s family and friends, and want to offer our support to any students, faculty and staff. We know how much the loss of Tag is affecting our community, and all are encouraged to take advantage of our support resources as we navigate this difficult time together.ā€

ā€œThe Ceramics Department, the School of ART + Design and the entire College of Fine Arts celebrate the great gift of having the opportunity to know and work with Tag Hauschild. We are humbled to be among the many lives and hearts that have been touched by this young artist,ā€ the College of Fine Arts said in a statement.

ā€œWe have been overwhelmed and deeply touched by the loving support of the Athens community that has stepped in to love us in so many ways,ā€ Hauschild said. ā€œOur family is holding firm to the faith that we profess in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We are leaning hard into the Lord for strength, wisdom, and peace as we navigate through this difficult time. Your prayers for us are much needed and would definitely be appreciated.ā€

Hauschild said he encourages anyone who is considering suicide, or knows someone who is, to seek help.

ā€œWe will never truly know or understand the inward pain that led Tag to seek death as the only solution,ā€ Hauschild said. ā€œThis loss is tragic for our family, and we donā€™t want anyone else to have to go through the same thing. If you need help, share your struggles with friends and family; please ask for help. Thereā€™s no shame in asking.ā€

Students in need of support can call  anytime at 740-593-1616 or stop by the third floor of Hudson Hall during walk-in hours (Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. ā€“ 3 p.m.) to speak with a counselor.

Counseling and Psychological Services also offers the Bobcats Who Care training program as part of its suicide prevention program. Bobcats Who Care is designed to help participants respond to individuals in crisis through empathic listening and relationship-building skills. It is open to students, faculty and staff.

The Dean of Students Office also provides a guide for faculty and staff to assist students who report suicidality.

Below are resources for those experiencing thoughts of suicide:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
• Athens County Crisis Hotline: 740-593-3344
• 51ĀŅĀ× students can find additional resources through Counseling and Psychological Services or the .

Hauschildā€™s full obituary and a video tribute celebrating his life can be found at the following link: .