The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) community is in mourning after the tragic loss of third-year student Serenity Songbird, who took her own life at the James E. Walker Library. Serenity, a transgender woman who had been navigating challenges of acceptance, reportedly faced hardship and estrangement from her family after coming out. This profound tragedy has cast a somber shadow over the university and raised awareness about the critical importance of community support, mental health resources, and inclusive spaces for students facing similar struggles.
On Monday, law enforcement and emergency responders were called to MTSU’s James E. Walker Library after reports emerged that someone had jumped from the fourth floor. The individual was quickly identified as Serenity Songbird, an MTSU student who had previously expressed her struggles with acceptance, identity, and family dynamics. Serenity was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving her partner, friends, and university peers devastated.
Who Was Serenity Songbird?
Serenity Songbird was known among her friends and within the LGBTQ+ community at MTSU as a brave and determined individual who was passionate about expressing her true self. She transitioned to female during her time at university, a process that required great courage given her family’s rejection of her identity. According to reports from those close to her, Serenity’s family had a difficult time accepting her transition, and she ultimately faced estrangement. Her friends recount that Serenity’s resilience and ability to find solace in her partner, Delanie Dempsey, allowed her to navigate some of the most challenging moments in her life.
Described as thoughtful, kind, and intellectually curious, Serenity was dedicated to her studies at MTSU and was known to frequent the library, a place that had become a haven for her academic pursuits. Friends and acquaintances remember her as someone who deeply cared for others, often offering support and encouragement to those around her. Her friend Sarah Patterson shared, “Serenity was always a light for others. She had such a gentle soul, and even with the struggles she faced, she tried to uplift everyone else.”
Serenity and her partner Delanie Dempsey became each other’s chosen family. With no family ties to rely upon, Delanie became Serenity’s pillar of support. The two shared a profound bond, celebrating Serenity’s identity, aspirations, and ambitions. On the day of her passing, Delanie was away, a fact that has since weighed heavily on her as she navigates the grief and loss of her partner.