A Form 5 student from St. Paul’s College has tragically died during a recent exchange program in Hangzhou, China, sparking widespread condolences and grief within the school community. The incident, which reportedly involved the student taking his own life, has been met with deep sorrow and response efforts by the school administration.
On March 1, 2025, St. Paul’s College confirmed through their social media channels the unfortunate demise of one of their students who had participated in the exchange program. The school updated their Facebook page cover to black early in the morning, which many interpreted as a symbol of mourning. It read, "全校對此感到惋惜和難過" (The whole school feels sorrowful and sad), reflecting the somber mood among faculty and students alike.
The exchange program had concluded on February 28, 2025, just days before the tragedy occurred. Reports indicated the student suffered from personal issues leading up to the program, culminating in this heartbreaking act. Messages of mourning and tributes have poured onto social media, where users left comments such as “RIP” and expressed their disbelief over the loss of young life.
The administration at St. Paul’s College has expressed deep regret over the incident. According to staff who spoke with local media, there is currently no available information to indicate the circumstances leading up to the event. They noted the feelings of loss and sadness resonate broadly within the academic institution. The institution is reportedly activating its crisis response team to handle the repercussions of this incident effectively.
St. Paul’s College has organized psychological support services for students and faculty to help them cope with this tragic loss. School officials are working actively to provide emotional support to those affected within the community. The school said, “不幸身故” (Unfortunately deceased) when responding to inquiries about the event, showcasing their determination to handle the situation with utmost sensitivity.
The pair of schools involved had previously solidified their exchange relationship on February 25, when over 170 students and teachers from St. Paul’s College visited Hangzhou Foreign Language School as part of the collaboration. The visit was intended to promote cultural and educational exchange but has now entwined with mourning.
Many online have asserted the need for increased mental health services within schools, especially following this latest incident. The community is currently circling to support the family of the deceased student and look for ways to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, the local education authorities have yet to publicly comment on the incident, awaiting comprehensive details from the school. Officials from the immigration department and educational bureau have been alerted, as investigations continue to provide clarity on how such incidents can be avoided moving forward.
Tragic events like these heighten the conversation around youth mental health and the pressures faced by students, particularly those traveling abroad for educational opportunities. Calls for dialogue and support have intensified as the community mourns this significant loss.
This heartbreaking loss serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health support within educational settings. Various hotlines and support groups have been made available for anyone who may need someone to talk to, including the “情緒通” mental health support hotline and others mentioned by local sources.
The entire St. Paul’s College community continues to process this tragic news, banding together to support one another through this difficult time. Thoughts and condolences from across the globe are pouring in as they work through the grief of losing one of their own.