The “very shy” 16-year-old who tragically leaped to his death at New York City’s famed Regis High School had gotten into hot water after taking a controversial stance in his ethics class, sources told The Post on Friday.
A dean at the prestigious Upper East Side institution — which counts “Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost and former US COVID top doc Anthony Fauci among its alum — had taken away the young man’s phone, or was just about to, amid the incident when the teen jumped from a fifth-floor window around 9:30 a.m. Thursday, law-enforcement sources said.
The teen, whose name The Post is withholding, died at a nearby hospital.
Sources described the 16-year-old as “really very shy” and “non-threatening.”
In the moments before his death, the student was awaiting potential disciplinary action for making unwelcome comments during a class discussion on “Utilitarian Society,” according to sources.
A “utilitarian society” believes in the goal of maximizing happiness, pleasure and well-being for the greater good — “the greatest good for the greatest number.”
Parents caught wind of the commentary and complained to school administrators, who called the boy to the office, sources said.
The teen was waiting outside the first-floor office but then walked up to the fifth floor and jumped.
Regis was open to students Friday.
“It is with heavy hearts that we write that one of our students tragically lost his life earlier yesterday,” a rep said in a statement. “We are deeply saddened by his loss, and we pray that the Lord welcomes him into eternal rest and comforts his family.
“We recognize their profound loss, and we are doing everything we can to support them during this unimaginable tragedy.
“The sudden loss of a classmate can be a profoundly difficult experience for students and their families. As we begin the process of grieving, school counselors and campus ministers are available to any student or parent who wishes to speak.”
The boy’s family did not respond to messages from The Post.
Regis High School is renowned for its academics.
It is “tuition free and merit based, giving special consideration to families in need of financial assistance,” according to its website.
-Additional reporting by Joe Marino
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
