Trigger Warning: This story discusses suicide and emotional distress.
A 20-year-old Haitian immigrant who came to the United States to pursue his education has died after being struck by a semi-truck on Interstate 70 in Ohio, as his family says he struggled emotionally following the loss of his Temporary Protected Status and the placement of an electronic ankle monitor.
Pierre Damas Bel of Springfield, Ohio, was killed Monday morning after he exited his vehicle on westbound I-70 near State Route 54 and entered the roadway, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. He was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.
Bel was a recent graduate of Springfield High School, where he played soccer and was recognized by the school district for his academic achievements. He had been preparing for college and hoped to continue building his future in the United States. The Springfield City School District listed Bel among students recognized for academic achievement and scholarship awards earlier this year.
His death comes after a difficult period for the young Haitian immigrant. Bel had recently lost Temporary Protected Status and was placed under electronic monitoring by U.S. immigration authorities, according to his family and reporting from The Washington Post.
On July 30, Bel shared a post on Instagram about the ankle monitor and what it meant to him. He wrote that he had come to the United States to pursue his education and described feeling ashamed and humiliated by having to wear the device.
His father, Pierres Ronal Bel, said his son had been deeply affected by the situation and had been struggling emotionally. The family believes Bel died by suicide.
However, official authorities have not publicly confirmed the manner of death as suicide, and L’Union Suite is not independently reporting that conclusion as fact. The Ohio State Highway Patrol continues to investigate what happened before the crash.
For the Bel family, this is about much more than an immigration case. It is the loss of a 20-year-old who had just graduated from high school, was preparing for college and was trying to build a future in a country he came to for an education.
His story is also raising difficult questions within the Haitian community about the emotional toll of immigration uncertainty, electronic monitoring and the fear of losing the life someone has worked to build.
Pierre Damas Bel was 20 years old.
L’Union Suite extends its condolences to his father, his family, friends, classmates and everyone who knew him.
May he rest in peace. 🇭🇹🕊️
If you or someone you know is struggling or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
