A jogging passerby found a UC Santa Barbara student dead near Campus Point at approximately 7:00 a.m. Wednesday, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office reported. Police said the death appears to be a suicide.
Parker James Williams, 20, was a second-year psychology and history double major living in Isla Vista. He was formerly from Aliso Viejo in southern Orange County and worked for UCSB Adventure Programs.
Kelly Hoover, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, said there were no signs of foul play.
Students who are in need of mental health support can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (C.A.P.S.) at caps.sa.ucsb.edu or 805-893-4411.
Correction: Williams was a psychology and history double major, not a biology major.
Parker, I wish you knew that we were all here for you. “Students who are in need of mental health support can contact Counseling and Psychological Services (C.A.P.S.) at caps.sa.ucsb.edu or 805-893-4411.” …. but expect some down time. Perhaps a week if you’re lucky. I am so frustrated why CAPS is posted EVERYWHERE, yet they are always so “BUSY” with appointments that they fail to meet with students in a timely fashion. Do better, UCSB…. Whoever is reading this: WE ARE HERE FOR YOU. We as in everyone around you!!! Please don’t be afraid to reach out to ANYONE else:… Read more »
If only we put the money that we waste on safe spaces and MCC events towards that.
Yeah that’s not how it works…
You should take a finance class.
Already have, you’re still wrong.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) has 24/7 phone consultations, individual and group counseling, outreaches nearly weekly on a plethora of mediums in attempt to de-stigmatize mental health and promote suicide prevention, and offer services to nearly 13% of students at UC Santa Barbara. This amounts to nearly 3,000 students receiving free and confidential care every year. It breaks my heart to hear that CAPS might have under-served you in some capacity, but it’s equally important to stop misconceptions regarding CAPs’ services to students. Students are welcome to clinicians on rotation every single day for urgent or emergency situations, consultations catered… Read more »
Caps is garbage lol
no it’s not
Have you utilized it? Fabulous therapists who help students cope and have the ability to refer students to other appropriate services if needed. They literally are life savers.
Hey I understand that this is a difficult and emotional time for the campus community but I wanted to offer a response to this comment. When a member of our community loses their life to suicide it can be an incredible amount to process and handle, and it can be easy to want to find a singular cause for these issues and put our anger and hurt onto that. The issues surrounding these situations however, tend to be very complicated with an innumerable number of factors at play. It is my opinion that your frustration with CAPS being a widely… Read more »
You should think and be educated before you speak on something you obviously know nothing about. Yes non urgent appointments can be a long wait but those are non urgent. Anyone saying they need someone today or are in crisis will see someone today . The 24/7 number is also always available.
Is this not the 3rd student loss at UCSB this school year? As a parent with 2 children at UCSB I am very concerned. My heart breaks for this young man and those he left behind.
CAPS is an amazing service. Talk to your student and make sure he/she knows how to utilize the program.
It is bad journalism ethics to post the name of someone who commits suicide. Come on Daily Nexus, aren’t you better than that?
No it almost makes it worst to keep it so taboo. It’s tragic and heartbreaking but I feel like it shouldn’t be kept a secret. I may be wrong though.
This breaks my heart! My son grew up with him… they were in the same Boy Scout Troop as kids! My thoughts and prayers to the Williams Family. R.I.P
Thank you Angie! Mental health is not a simple matter. The smart ones know the right answers. We did everything we could and worked with student mental health services. Despite Parker meeting with staff on Friday, no one saw the signs. We spoke with our son Friday, Saturday, and Monday nights and still no indicators he had a plan. Help will come to those who are willing to be supported. We thought we were there. Now we will never know the true depth of his depression and the pain he was covering. Parents, ask that your kids be honest with… Read more »
Mr. Williams,
You don’t know me, but I am a friend of Parker’s from UCSB. I can’t imagine what you and your family must be going through.. I hope you can find peace and comfort somehow in this time. Your son was always such a good friend. He was very sweet and encouraging and I never heard him saying a bad thing about anyone. He was loved by his friends here and we all miss him so much. I will keep you in my prayers. God bless.
hi williams family so sorry for your loss this rob corder and family cant belive this kyle and kloie grew up as neighbors and went to school together with your kids and right now cant belive this so sorry for your loss at this time rob corder family
From one dad to another:
I am so, so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain that you are enduring. I’m also in awe of the strength snd grace that your response reflects amidst the trolling.
Rand the Steshetz family sends our love and prayers. We stand with and by you. Please please please reach out if there is anything we can help you with. Your message here is beautiful and perhaps it will help someone else.
I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Parker but from what I have read and heard he was an amazing person. I wish nothing but peace and love to you and your family.
Hello Mr. Williams,
This is Supriya, author of the article. We’re hoping to put together a piece to honor your son with words from friends and family. This is an extremely difficult time, and I understand if you are not interested. I’m available at syelimeli@dailynexus.com if you would like to contact me.
Best wishes,
Supriya
Hello Supriya, when is the deadline to submit comments for your piece? Thank you, Rod
I am so sorry for your loss. My son has known Parker since 1st grade. Parker was such a nice kid and always smiling. It’s so sad that there are many kids today who suffer from this, but I think they’re starting to reach out to each other via social media. My heart goes out to you and your family. RIP Parker.
I am so sorry for your loss. My son was a friend of Parker’s and we are heartbroken. Kyle spend most of last weekend with Parker and had no idea of his suicide plan. Kyle really thought Parker was doing so much better. Our prayers go to you, your family, and all of his friends.
Rand and Joann,
I cannot tell you how deeply saddened I am by this news. I can’t imagine what you are going through and have not stopped thinking about your family since I heard about Parker. He was always such a sweet boy. I have been praying for your family through this very difficult time and will continue to keep you all in my prayers. Take care. Love..,,
Mr. Williams,
It meant a lot to meet you. I so wish it would have been in very different circumstances. Please know that many on our staff were thankful to get to know Parker for the short time we did. He was a very positive influence on our community. We are deeply saddened by this loss. Your kind words and support are extremely meaningful. My heart breaks for your family.
Rod
Rand, I heard this news last Saturday, when I got a message that Jeff was trying to get ahold of me…We’ve been friends for quite some time now, and I know the type of person and Man that you are. I’m here for you and your family, however, I couldn’t wrap my brain around this, we are so sorry for your loss, and for that of the UCSB family as well! I will reach out hopefully tomorrow, and although words can’t express what my heart is feeling as we are back and forth to Children’s Hospital of L.A. Our daughter… Read more »
I’m so shocked right now, I’ve known Parker since 3rd grade, I marched with him in high school band…this is absolutely heartbreaking. Sending my thoughts to his family. Words can’t express…
As one of Parker’s friends at UCSB, I felt that it was disrespectful to him and his loved ones that Daily Nexus posted this article a mere 2 hours after the police notified us. We were still in shock and hadn’t even contacted all of his friends when when this article was published with his full name, but incorrect information regarding his major. It was unfair that some learned about his passing through this instead of being contacted by someone who cared. I hope the Daily Nexus takes this into consideration for the future and doesn’t hastily post about such… Read more »
Bro they have the right to report local events. Chill with the outrage.
There is a typical accepted grace period in which everyone who needed to know most would have found out. You have a right to the information, but wait your damn turn. And how dare you speak to someone grieving like that? Have some compassion. He is going through far more than you at this moment.
I grew up with Parker, and attended Aliso Niguel where he played in the marching band with us. Thoughts and prayers go out to you, I’m not particularly religious, but if there is a God, I hope that you’ve found your peace in the afterlife. You always made me laugh and smile, and I hope that anyone out there who has suicidal thoughts/and/or depression, that you’re able to seek out help and work towards recovery.
How does the public really know if and when the police cover up their killings of
people. Just maybe a twenty college student got murdered by the police whom can easily cover up their mistake?
You are a special kind of stupid.
And you find this conspiracy theory of yours helpful how? Your post is offensive and frankly cruel to parents who just lost their son to depression.
Dear Anonymous, You obviously are not reading what is being said about my son. I am a recently retired LTC in the US Army with 24 years of service and two tours overseas. I have put my life on the line so that you may have the freedom of speech. If you have something to say, then say it, and post who you are and stand behind what you have to say. Embrace your freedom and do not cower behind anonymity. As a military police officer I take great offense to such an off handed comment. Should ever the day… Read more »
how’s that tinfoil hat fitting?
Dear Rand,
Words cannot express my sadness for what no parent should have to live through.
My son lost a friend and my friend lost a son. Alex is one of Parker’s Eagle Scout companions, and I fondly remember your leadership in working with both of them through merit badges, camping expeditions, and lots of fun.
I feel so sorry that you have to experience what some say is the greatest pain in life.
My heart goes out to you and your family.
Please let us know how we can help.
Warm Regards,
Robert & Nancy Friend
Rand,
Please allow me to also offer my sincere condolences. Words escape me as to what you and your family is going through. As a parent we all assume that our children will be around and when they are not it is like a huge hole in our hearts. Please know that the Burnside family has you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Mike
Williams family,
My daughter Jewel Hays has known Parker since kindergarten and I just got word today about his tragic ending. I called my daughter today and had to break the sad news. She was devistated and couldn’t believe he’s gone. I wanted to tell your entire family that my family’s prayers are with you. My son struggles with depression and every day I pray he continues to climb out. My worries are real and my heart is broken for you and yours 💔
Dear Friends and Friends of Parker;
We cannot express how touched we are with the outpour of concern and comforting words you have shared about Parker. Thank you ~
We are saddened that he did not fully know the impact with the number of lives he had touched in his short life. Please remember him for the kind soul he was.
Dear Rand, Joann and Callie,
Bill and I just learned of this terrible tragedy yesterday from Ross and Lori while visiting TPC. We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts weigh heavy for the very difficult struggles that Parker endured and for you as a family as well. His beautiful spirit and kindness will forever remain in our memory. May he rest in peace with his Lord and Savior. We send you all our love, hugs and prayers.
Bill, Kathy, August, Max and Alexander Etienne