President's Message on Parker Thompson
To: The Caltech Community
From: Thomas F. Rosenbaum, President
Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and Professor of Physics
It is with profound sadness that I write with news of the death of second-year undergraduate Parker Thompson, who apparently died by suicide on February 3, 2026. Student Affairs is supporting Parker's friends, his undergraduate house community, and his family.
As a community, we remember Parker and honor his life and contributions across Caltech. The flag will be lowered to half-mast for three days beginning Thursday, February 5.
Parker, a member of Ricketts House, was an undergraduate in Applied and Computational Mathematics, with a strong interest in English. He joined Caltech in fall 2024 as a member of the First-Year Success Research Institute and quickly became an integral member of the student community and student leadership. He was secretary of the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology (ASCIT). He is remembered by members of the community as being an engaged, caring individual with a gentle smile.
The untimely death of a young member of our community is tragic and sobering. As we navigate this loss, please connect with and support one another. Professional support services and personnel are available through Student Wellness Services (SWS) or the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC). Students can access urgent appointment slots at various times throughout the week by calling (626) 395-8331. If you or anyone you know feels alone or overwhelmed, or struggles with thoughts of suicide, please know that you are not alone and that care is available. You may submit a CARE referral on behalf of another individual or yourself, or contact SWS or the SFCC to link with mental health services.
If you or anyone you know needs to modify or adjust your academic schedule or assignments, please contact the Undergraduate Deans Office at (626) 395-6351 or the Graduate Studies Office at (626) 395-6346. We will work with students and faculty on appropriate accommodations.
On behalf of the Institute, I extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and classmates of our late student and colleague, Parker Thompson.