Caltech Mourns the Passing of Undergraduate Parker Thompson (2006–26)

Parker Thompson, a second-year undergraduate in applied and computational mathematics, secretary of the Associated Students of the California Institute of Technology (ASCIT), and a peer advocate, died on February 3, 2026. He was 19 years old.

In a note to the Caltech community, President Thomas F. Rosenbaum, the Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair and professor of physics, recognized Thompson as "an integral member of the student community and student leadership," and noted that he "is remembered by members of the community as being an engaged, caring individual with a gentle smile."

Thompson joined the Caltech community in fall 2024 as a QuestBridge Scholar and member of the First-Year Success Research Institute.

In Thompson's application to Caltech, one recommender said, "Parker is a once-in-a-life career academic, humanitarian, and dreamer."

Jennifer Jahner, dean of undergraduate studies, professor of English, and Thompson's first-year advisor, remembers Thompson as someone who loved pure and applied mathematics, English, and poetry.

"Parker was a gem, and I use that word in its specific sense. He shone bright; he dazzled all of us with his smile and spirit," Jahner says. "He loved the multifaceted beauty of mathematics and art, poetry and music. He radiated compassion and courage and reflected for all of us the essence of the Caltech community: unfettered curiosity, fierce care for others, and deep reserves of strength."

Jahner notes that Thompson wanted to start Caltech's first mock trial club. After participating in and enjoying mock trial in high school, Thompson was considering a career in environmental law.

"He was so loving, kind, and honorable," says Thompson's mother, Amanda. "He was brilliant; he was always brilliant. He had a drive and wanted to go far." She also shares that her son was someone who had ambitions and also sought ways to support his community and the people around him as he pursued those ambitions.

Thompson was deeply engaged with his community at Ricketts House and was remembered as someone who welcomed house members to consider him a safe person with whom to talk about topics such as depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma.

"There are no words to express how deeply the loss of Parker will resonate throughout the Caltech community," says Ashlyn Roice, fourth-year undergraduate and president of ASCIT. "Parker was the most kind and gentle person, and he was so excited about using his education and empathy to positively impact the community around him. He was a bright light to all who met him, and we will never forget what a privilege it was to just be in his presence."

Soon after the news of Thompson's death by suicide, Caltech's student community built a memorial in the inner courtyard of Ricketts House to honor Thompson's life. The memorial grew overnight as students from across campus left vases, flowers, photos, notes, and small personal trinkets, each reflecting the many ways Thompson was known and loved.

On the evening of Thursday, February 5, there was a candlelight vigil, where community members convened for a quiet hour with Thompson's mother and uncle in attendance before proceeding to Caltech Pond to set small lights afloat. Afterward, students gathered to drink Abuelita hot chocolate, Thompson's favorite beverage.

Thompson is survived by his mother, Amanda, and two younger brothers, Miles and Ryan.

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. Professional support services and personnel are available through Student Wellness Services (SWS) or the Staff and Faculty Consultation Center (SFCC). The Student Wellness Services Counseling Center is available to support at (626) 395-8331 (press "2" for after-hours support). You can also call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.