21 year old Ao "Olivia" Kong suicide by jumping, Penn state Wharton business

WEST PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) --
University of Pennsylvania officials have identified the student who was struck and killed by a train on SEPTA's Market Frankford Line on Monday morning.

Ao "Olivia" Kong was a 21-year-old undergrad student in the Wharton School of Business who grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from Central High School, the university said in a statement.

"She was a bright, well-liked and successful member of our junior class. We have been in contact with her family and have conveyed our deepest sympathies to them at this very sad and tragic time," said Penn President Amy Gutmann.

Freshman Niyathi Chakrapani said she read about Kong's death during her bio lab class.

"The fact that somebody next to me in class said, 'oh, I heard she jumped in front of the train,' and then everyone kind of nodded in agreement. We were just very sad together, but nobody was like 'how could anyone ever do that?' Because there've been so many of these at Penn," freshman Niyathi Chakrapani said.

In fact, there have been 10 suicides in the past three years.

Despite an array of resources like Active Minds, Penn's counseling and psychological services called CAPS, and Bridge, which Chakrapani cofounded.

"There are people here that are trying to deal with it, but I think the school itself, it is more of a systemic problem...it's somehow like 'you're in therapy? what's wrong with you?'" Chakrapani said.

Students have coined the term 'Penn Face' which they say is masking signs of sadness or anxiety to avoid showing weakness.

In a candid interview in 2014, Penn Social Policy and Practice professor Dr. Toorjo Goshe spoke to Action News about the very same issue on campus.

"When we have students lives at risk we need to address this," Goshe said.

It's an issue some students say is still very present.

"If you're cool, you're dealing with everything, you're a successful person, part of so many clubs, executive boards, you have a great GPA, social life, and you're not supposed to have problems. I think there needs to be a new culture here where it's OK to talk about issues," Chakrapani said.

Penn officials encouraged students in need of support to contact any of the following resources:

-Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS): 215-898-7021 (Including nights/weekends to reach a CAPS counselor on call)

-Wharton Undergraduate Division Advising: 215-898-7608

-University Chaplain's Office: 215-898-8456

-Student Health Service:215-746-3535

-Office of the Vice Provost for University Life/Student Intervention Services: 215-898-6081

During the early stages of the investigation, SEPTA hurried hundreds of commuters to alternate routes as police and firefighters responded.

"We were approaching 40th Street, and the train suddenly stopped," said passenger Anthony Davis from Lansdowne, Pa. "They pulled the power off.... People with flashlights said there was someone under the train."

Philadelphia police are handling the investigation.

Alpha Phi Omega - Delta Zeta Chapter at the University of Pennsylvania
9 hours ago

Today we mourn the loss of a dearly loved Brother, Olivia Kong. Always smiling and willing to offer support, Olivia brightened up our days with big heart, glowing smile, and warm hugs. Thank you for the wonderful days we spent in your light, Olivia, we will miss you.

In fact, there have been 10 suicides in the past three years.