None of the people who knew Jeff Tohill could explain why he took his life the weekend before Penn State students returned for Spring Semester.

Friends described the junior marketing major as a happy, athletic and smart person who was always willing to try new things.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death for people between the ages of 15 and 24 and is a frequent concern on college campuses, said Mary Anne Knapp, Penn State staff therapist.

"It is common for people to think about suicide because of all the things that are happening with the academic pressure on top of it," she said.

Jamie Palokas (senior-turfgrass science), who knew Tohill since he was a child, is puzzled about his friend's death.

"No one really has an idea why. It's a big mystery," Palokas said. "He was the last person on Earth you'd think would do something like that because he was always happy."

About three Penn State student suicides are reported each year, said Vickie Lucas, staff assistant to student and family services.

Knapp, who works in the Center for Counseling and Psychological Services, said she often meets with students who are struggling with suicidal thoughts, commonly a result of depression.

Tohill's mother, Helen Tohill, said he loved his friends, girlfriend and family. Tohill was to be the best man at his brother's wedding in June.

"He was just such a nice kid," she said.

Rachel Sninski, Tohill's girlfriend, said the news of Jeff's death stunned her.

"I was shocked and confused because I didn't understand why he would do anything like that," Sninski said. "I was so upset about the whole thing."

Palokas said Tohill was a fun person to be with.

"Jeff was a great kid. He was always smiling and always happy -- always up to having a good time," he said. "If there's anyone me and my friends will miss, it's him. It was very rare to see him in a bad mood."

Knapp emphasized that students should seek therapy through CAPS when feeling suicidal. CAPS can be reached at 863-0395, and same-day appointments can be made for students feeling suicidal to meet with therapists.

She added that friends and family members of a depressed student should find out if the person feels suicidal and seek help for him or her.

"If they see a change or think the person is depressed, they should feel confident to ask," she said. "Often making that connection with someone and getting the feeling of isolation out of their head is the start to getting the help they need."

Between 80 and 90 percent of students suffering depression, both biological and situational, respond well to therapeutic treatment, she said.

"The main thing is to get help because problems in life can be sorted out," Knapp said.