@MaineLonghorn So sorry for your loss. 
I do think we hear about these cases more now with the 24hour news cycle and social media, although I remember hearing whispers about Cornell and the gorges back when I was a HS student in the 80s.
I have read (maybe it was in that recent Atlantic piece?) that suicides may “cluster” because hearing/knowing about one can plant the idea in a vulnerable person’s head as an option. Sad to think about.
I also can’t help but wonder if the mass sleep deprivation so common among students doesn’t leave them at higher risk these days. I mean, we all pulled the odd “all nighter” in my day, but the crazy schedules kids are running today boggles my mind and it’s not uncommon to hear about students regularly surviving on way too little sleep. That has to mess with your judgment and emotional balance.