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Who is Arlana Miller? Southern University cheerleader found dead after leaving heartbreaking suicide note

'I have been surrounded by people who may have honestly thought that I was okay, but I haven't been okay for a while,' Miller wrote

A cheerleader from Louisiana's Southern University and A&M College was discovered dead only hours after posting a heartbreaking message about battling mental health issues on her Instagram account. Arlana Miller, a 19-year-old Texas woman, died on Wednesday, 4 May after writing a devastating statement on Instagram indicating that she intended suicide.

She talked about death and her background with suicidal thoughts in it. "May this day bring me rest and peace. I have fought this urge since my early teenage years… I gave this life all the fight I had. To everyone who has entered my life I'm so grateful and I can only imagine how this may find you, I have been surrounded by people who may have honestly thought that I was okay, but I havn't been okay for a while," the note read.  It also mentioned her struggles with her school, Covid-19, and damaging her ACL ligament last year."I struggled so much through just this year alone. From covid, to tearing my acl, to nearly failing all of my classes. To the people in my life I pray you learn to vocalize your feelings and get help always!!! I failed at that and I'm afraid it's too late," Miller wrote. "I have written so many suicide notes my life but finally, I've reached my end," she said. 

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"I hope this teaches everyone to check on your 'strong' friends, be present always! I'm contradicting myself but NEVER give up!!! I know that I'm letting a lot people down by what I'm about to do. But... truth is I've already let down so many people throughout my life and it just feels unbearable. I've lost my connection to God. I've been dead inside for too long. To everyone I love, just remember that this is not your fault and I pray you don't find guilt in my situation. I always dreamed of becoming so many things that I am today, but they just aren't enough, I'm not enough. I havnt felt enough for a while.. but I say all this to say, I'm done fighting, My battle is over and I pray everyone finds peace in that."

She died shortly after making the last post, according to the university's athletic department. The university issued a statement that read, "On May 4, 2022, at approximately 9PM, Southern University Athletic Department was notified of a social media post which ultimately led to this unfortunate announcement," 

"We ask for your prayers, love and support. Our deepest sympathy to The Miller family, SU Cheer, & friends. We love you Arlana #ForeverJag," athletic director Roman Banks and the school's athletic department said in the statement.

A handful of student-athlete suicides have occurred in the recent two months. Three prominent collegiate student-athletes have died by suicide. Katie Meyer, a talented young athlete, died by suicide in her Stanford dorm in March after feeling pressured to be "perfect" and "number one" in the weeks preceding her death. Sarah Shulze, a runner, died by suicide in April after battling mental health difficulties. talented James Madison University softball player, who was a part of the school's historic run in the NCAA Division 1 tournament last year, died of an apparent suicide on April 26 at the age of 20.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741).