A Haitian-born college student in Ohio, Pierre Damas Bel, 20, died on Monday in an incident that his family believes to be a suicide after he lost his temporary protected status (TPS) protections. According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Bel walked into oncoming traffic on Interstate 70 after parking his vehicle on the right shoulder. He succumbed to fatal injuries at the scene, and the incident is under investigation.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine stated that Bel’s death is a tragedy, highlighting that he graduated from high school, was well-liked, and had aspirations for his future. DeWine questioned the implications of deportation policies on individuals like Bel.
Bel’s father expressed that his son was distraught after being required to wear an ankle monitor, a consequence of the termination of Haiti’s TPS designation by the Trump administration. This decision potentially exposes around 350,000 Haitian nationals to removal from the U.S. Bel’s father described his son as energetic and loving, stating that he did not recognize him in his final days.
On the morning of his death, Bel contacted his father to express that he was not feeling well mentally. Shortly after, police informed his father of his death. A month prior, Bel had publicly shared his feelings about wearing the ankle monitor, expressing feelings of shame and humiliation.
Pastor Carl Ruby, who is close to the family, stated that they believe Bel’s death was a suicide linked to the pressures of immigration policies. He noted that Bel faced teasing from classmates regarding the ankle monitor. Ruby emphasized the family's desire for awareness about the circumstances surrounding Bel’s death and the impact of immigration policies.
Many Haitian immigrants in Springfield have lived in the U.S. for years due to ongoing violence and poverty in Haiti. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stated that they do not comment on ongoing investigations. Bel was set to begin his first semester at Wright State University after previously being unable to play college soccer due to the ankle monitor. Wright State University President Sue Edwards expressed condolences, noting Bel’s active engagement in academics and soccer.