An Ohio University senior who was active in the College Democrats committed suicide in his Athens apartment Wednesday.
Patrick Gorman, 24, was discovered Friday at 110 N. Congress St. by his roommate, Art Gardella, also a senior. He died from a suspected self-inflicted gunshot wound Wednesday, said Athens Police Department Lt. Randy Gray, the officer at the scene.
Gardella became suspicious of a strange odor in the two-bedroom apartment, opened his roommate’s door and discovered the body on Friday evening.
“I was hanging around the apartment all day,” he said. “Around 6 p.m. I walked into his room.” He immediately called emergency services.
Gardella described his roommate as a good student who was well-liked. Gorman, a Brecksville native, was expected to graduate in March with a degree in political science.
“It really came out of nowhere,” he said. “He was out Tuesday night at Skippers celebrating with the College Democrats.” The last time Gardella saw his roommate was when he returned home that night.
Lauren Elliott, a fellow member of the College Democrats, said he was kind and selfless in a university news release.
“He was very passionate about politics because he wanted to help people. He was willing to work for what was fair and just,” she said. “He always put other people before himself.”
Gardella said Gorman purchased a handgun Wednesday from Ohio Valley Trading and Exchange and was on and off anti-depressants.
He said he regrets not checking on his roommate earlier.
“We come and go,” Gardella said. “We have the same friends, but we are always busy — always studying.”
Reader Comments
Patrick was a dear friend, and he will be missed very much. It is sad so see such a great person leave our world.
Rest in peace Pat. He was a very nice guy. My condolences go out to his family.
Pat was a great guy, always reaching out to folks, one of the warmest human beings i ever met. i'll miss him.
Patrick was a very kind and diligent person. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and anybody else who knew him. He was in two of my classes last year, but I never saw him after that. I wish I had befriended him, because I feel like I could have helped him. Although I have never attempted suicide, I have faced issues similar to his. For six years, I experienced extreme mental anguish because of anxiety and depression.
Fortunately, I am feeling better than I ever have. While my counseling and medication do not constitute a cure-all, they have allowed me to return to a much happier life. It seems terribly unfair that I am a survivor of mental health issues, when others, such as Patrick, are not. Why must I “make it,” when others do not? Sadly, the best I can do is to reach out to anyone who suffers.
Although I am not an expert on the situation, I believe that sadness and loneliness provoke someone to contemplate suicide. One bad day can lead to more bad days, until the bad times seem endless. However, the bad times aren’t endless, and my life is proof of that.
I am grateful for those who have helped me. I am also grateful for the loved ones and professionals who did their best to help Patrick.
Nobody should suffer like he and I did.
Dan Stroble
Sophomore video production major
Like creator, I feel terrible that I have survived when others have not. I did not know Gorman and don't recognize his face but my sympathies to his family and friends. I lost a close friend a year and a half ago to suicide; it's difficult to hear of other people going through the same heartache.
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