Whether or not you are prepared, the death of a loved one is never easy. But when that death happens by suicide, it is especially difficult.
The people left behind not only experience deep sorrow for their loss, but they are left with many unanswered questions and guilt at not seeing the signs of their struggle or at not being able to offer support and prevent the tragedy.
Such was the case of the Del Rio-Malewski family, who lost their son and brother, Jose Bruno, to suicide in a University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA) parking garage in late 2024.
Let’s take a look at how a second UTSA student tragically died in a campus parking garage and the impact caused by his death.
Timeline of Events
On Wednesday, November 6th, 2024, at approximately 10:14 am, students and faculty were alerted to police activity at the Bauerle Road Garage.
The parking garage is located in the Katz Alumni Center on campus and neighbors the Main Building and the John Peace Library.
About seven minutes later, at 10:21 am, UTSA officials alerted students and staff to avoid the area due to a police incident.
Around 11:10 am, the university’s president, Taylor Eighmy, communicated that it was with a “heavy heart” that he shared that they had “lost a member of our doctoral community.”
By 12:30 pm, another alert was sent campus-wide, this time, to inform students and staff that the investigation was finalized and all was back to normal.
Some professors canceled scheduled classes and lectures for the day. However, others opted to continue with their regular schedule.
Indignant students took to platforms like Reddit and Instagram to express the lack of sensitivity to the distressing circumstance, as this was the second death by suicide in the same location within six months. The first one occurred on May 7th, 2024.
At 6:00 pm on Thursday, November 7th, President Eighmy reacted to the students’ uproar and concerns for the student body’s well-being.
He acknowledged their distress and shared that they “plan to do better and be better as an anchor of support for you.”
He also expressed that they “are committed to taking swifter, stronger actions to address these needs.”
Eighmy canceled all classes on Friday, November 8th, calling it a “Day of Reflection…to pause and reflect and care for one another.”
Who was the UTSA Student Who Tragically Died in a Campus Parking Garage?
Jose Bruno Del Rio-Malewski was a 33-year-old doctoral student in biology at the UTSA Hutchinson Lab.
His thesis was on amphibians, specifically on how microplastics affect gene expression in tadpoles. Through this research, he hoped to join herpetological research.
His student profile at the university stated, “He is passionate for animals and is a caretaker for two bearded dragons and three axolotls.”
His love for animals extended outside his studies. Del Rio-Malewski’s pets included three bearded dragons, twelve axolotls, two dogs, and a cat.
Having grown up in Mexico City before moving with his family to San Antonio, he loved Mexico and his ties to it.
As one student pointed out in one of the forums where he was mourned online, “Bruno…was extremely proud of his heritage and culture.”
He also supported MOJA, an organization devoted to conserving the Xochimilco wetlands in Mexico, which is the native habitat for axolotls.
Coincidentally, Jose Bruno took his life approximately six hours after Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Donald Trump.
However, it is unknown if that event had anything to do with his untimely death.
Impact on His Loved Ones
Jose Bruno moved to San Antonio, Texas, with his parents, Jose Bruno Sr. and Rachel, his sister Gideon (30), and his brother Lucas (26).
Of the devastating tragedy, Mr. Del Rio-Malewski said, “This is a parent’s worst nightmare and as you can imagine our family is going through an extremely difficult time.”
He added, “Losing a child is difficult, but when suicide is involved, the pain is accompanied by guilt, myriad unanswered questions, and many other emotions that are difficult to describe.”
His father concluded, “We know, however, that we will get through this united as a family, with the help of God and with the love that we surround each other with.”
Jose Bruno’s fellow UTSA students took to online forums to mourn him.
A memorial was lovingly created near the Bauerle Garage, where the following Monday, students and faculty gathered with his family for a candlelight vigil.
In lieu of flowers, Jose Bruno’s family urged his friends to donate to MOJA, a cause so close to his heart.
In response to the tragedy, Eighmy e-mailed students, reminding them they “are not alone and support is available,” adding, “if you or someone you know is struggling, I urge you to utilize the free well-being resources available to you 24/7.”
Final Thoughts on the Student Who Tragically Died in a Campus Parking Garage
Losing a loved one is never easy. Losing someone due to suicide, as was the case with this animal-loving UTSA student in a campus parking garage, is undoubtedly a devastating loss.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call or text your local Suicide and Crisis Hotline.