At times, Alex Ruzbacki could be jealous of his friend Adam Zook.

When the two were roommates at Slippery Rock University, video games, basketball and Zook's smooth-talking abilities brought out a competitive side in the two like a sibling rivalry, Ruzbacki said.

“He was the closest thing to a brother I've ever had,” said Ruzbacki, 22, a 2018 Slippery Rock University graduate. “He was outgoing, very friendly, incredibly well-spoken. If you were ever in a room with him and there was a conversation going on, he was in the center of that.”

Ruzbacki shared that feeling with Zook the last weekend the friends were together before his unexpected death.

“I'm very glad I was able to say goodbye in that way. He knew how I felt about him,” Ruzbacki said. “I couldn't believe what I was hearing. He seemed so happy and full of life. Everyone (who) knows Adam will miss him like crazy.”

Slippery Rock University officials confirmed Monday afternoon that Zook, a senior communications major from Tyrone, died by suicide at his off-campus residence early Sunday.

“Tragedies like Adam's death strike too often every day at colleges across the nation. Sadly, this national epidemic has reached our campus too many times. There are truly no words to fully capture the anguish that losses like this cause our community,” wrote Bill Behre, university president, on Sunday in a letter to the university students, faculty and staff.

Zook was completing an internship in his major and was set to be the editor-in- chief of The Rocket in the fall.

“I am personally struggling trying to make sense of this horrible news — I am not certain I ever will. I imagine many of you are struggling as well,” Behre wrote. “If you find yourself considering harming yourself in any way, please seek help immediately. Please, please don't let negative thoughts or self-doubt weigh on your mind unchecked. A one-time desperate decision often cannot be undone, and those you leave behind will miss you terribly.”

Zook tweeted “I'm sorry” along with a letter about his death by suicide on the social media platform Twitter.

In the four-page letter, he apologized about its release via social media. He also addressed several people he knew and his mother and father.

Students who need someone with whom to talk should contact Student Health Services at 724-738-2052 or Student Support at 724-738-2121. During the summer, the offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

If students are away from campus, they should contact the Center for Community Resources of Butler County. Crisis support is available 24/7 by calling 1-800-292-3866 or texting 62388. Faculty and staff should contact the State Employee Assistance Program by calling 800-692-7459.

A GoFundMe.com/adamzook page was created by Slippery Rock University student Zach Bonnette, one of Zook's friends and roommate during the past school year, to help his family cover funeral expenses.

“I can't imagine what it's like for his parents,” Bonnette, 21, said. “I just thought if I could take one ounce of burden off his family, it would all be worth it.”

Zook was a voice of assurance to his friends during tough times, he said.

“He was always there for someone when needed picking up ... you could always count on Adam,” he said. “I never sensed he himself was hurting.”

Bonnette and Zook met when they lived in the same dormitory during their freshman and sophomore years.

When Bonnette joined the same flag football team as Zook, their connection grew.

The digital media major wanted to be involved with sports media when he graduated, so Zook pushed him to join the university paper, Bonnette said.

In his last semester this fall, Bonnette was slated to become the assistant sports editor, while Zook would be editor in chief.

“He had a bright future ahead of him,” Bonnette said. “He had a way with words and always making you feel welcome no matter who you were.”

The outpouring of support for the GoFundMe page and in the university community shows how much Zook was loved, Bonnette said.

“We'll never forget him. I'll always remember him,” he said. “I pray that he's found his peace.”

Call the Center for Community Resources's 24-hour crisis hot line for Butler County at 800-292-3866. Telephone, text and mobile crisis services are offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Walk-in services are offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the Butler location, 212-214 S. Main St., Suite 625.