Tragedy struck Point Park’s community last Monday when a student died on campus.
Writing a proper editorial about something which has still left much of this campus, whether student or administrator, grief-stricken and hurt, is nothing short of impossible.
No matter how you feel, the reality is that we lost one of our peers. A friend, bandmate, production crewmember; there are a number of titles one can use to describe the person who’s no longer by our side.
The Globe made a social media post breaking the news as soon as we got it without naming the victim. We did not believe in violating the victim and their family’s privacy by naming someone who did not commit a crime, was not involved in a crime and was not a public figure.
Now that friends and the university have shared the victim’s name, we feel it is OK to do the same. Zachary Musi, a 21-year-old junior cinema student in the Theatre, Film and Animation school, died last Monday.
Friends of Musi have already spoken about his character as a deeply caring person who worked extremely hard to get to where he was in his film studies. Hailed by his peers as great with audio production, it makes sense he took his passion for sound to musical heights too.
Whether you knew him or not, we know how much pain his death has caused throughout the university community. As an editorial board, we are incredibly heartbroken. Much thought has gone into next steps, which could include a memorial article about him that does everything it can to honor his life properly. This will only happen with his family’s blessing, though, as we are not going to violate their wishes for privacy in these difficult times.
For those of us who are not feeling OK and need someone to talk to, there are resources available. Not only does Point Park offer counseling through the University Counseling Center, but Empathia is providing 24/7 phone support for members of the campus community until May 24. Their number is 866-713-1978.
Additionally, UPMC’s Resolve Crisis Center and the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline are both available around the clock — the latter being available for Pennsylvania residents only.
As an editorial board, we are not going to pretend that we are doing completely fine and will get through this like any other newsworthy event. Nearly all of us share some kind of connection with Musi and immediately felt it when we learned who the victim was.
But in this time of grief, recollection and figuring out how to move forward, let’s not focus solely on what unfolded last Monday. We should remember who Musi was, properly honor him and appreciate the many things he left for us on this Earth.
“Stalwart,” a documentary about the impacts of modern technology and closing shops in southwestern Pennsylvania skateboarding communities, was created with the help of Musi. He was also a guitarist for Chub Clampion, a Pittsburgh-based emo rock band, and the drummer for Adam’s Purse, a Pittsburgh-based shoegaze band. Both bands are powerhouses in their own right.
No matter the case, remember that we as a community have each other and should all do our part in honoring our fellow student.
We will never forget you, Zach. May you rest in peace.
