Wright State student dies after being struck by truck on I-70; advocates link death to ICE ankle monitor

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — A 20-year-old Wright State University student died Monday after walking into the westbound lanes of Interstate 70 and being struck by a tractor-trailer, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Local community advocates say the student’s death was a suicide connected to the emotional distress he experienced after being placed on an ICE ankle monitor.

Pierre Damas Bel, a new student at Wright State University, had been fitted with an electronic ankle monitor in July.

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Springfield Post, troopers were called at 8:45 a.m. Monday, Aug. 31, to mile marker 66 on I-70 westbound. Investigators said Bel had parked his 2006 Toyota Avalon on the right shoulder before getting out of the vehicle and walking into the westbound lanes.

Bel was struck by a 2001 Kenworth tractor-trailer tanker combination and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Multiple people called 911 following the incident, including a driver traveling on the opposite side of the highway. The driver reported seeing a man open the door of his vehicle before jumping in front of the semi.

Student had publicly discussed ankle monitor

Bel had publicly described his feelings about the ankle monitor in a July 30 Instagram post. The 20-photo carousel highlighted his awards, diploma, plans to study neuroscience at Wright State, soccer team and the electronic monitor attached to his ankle.

“I came to this country to pursue my education. I didn’t come here to commit a crime or hurt anyone,” he captioned the post. “Yet now I’m walking through the streets of the United States with a GPS monitor on my leg, carrying a feeling of shame and humiliation that I never imagined I would experience. I came here to study, to build my future and to live a better [life,] not to be treated like a criminal. So now, how am I supposed to play college sports with a GPS monitor on my leg?”

Pastor Carl Ruby of Central Christian Church said on social media that Bel threw himself in front of a semi “after being teased by fellow students at Wright State about his ankle monitor.”

“I wish President Trump could hear the mom’s wails. The family wants people to know that this was a suicide and they want people to know that President Trump, (Stephen) Miller, and Markwayne Mullin’s inhumane immigration policies made this happen,” Ruby wrote.

Bel also had an Instagram highlight titled “Ice,” featuring six letters written by coworkers, a JROTC captain and teachers in support of his character and potential.

“It is my sincere hope that Mr. Bel has the opportunity to see his plans come to fruition, much as all young men and women his age should have the opportunity to do,” the teacher wrote. “I have no doubt that given the opportunity, he will only continue to deepen and broaden not only in his personal growth, but also in his dedication to the city, state and country that he has chosen to make his home.”

Haitian community raises concerns about ankle monitors

Bel was among dozens of Haitians in Springfield who advocates say had been fitted with ankle monitors or detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement after their temporary protected status officially expired in late July.

Advocates say hundreds of local Haitians have been fitted with ankle monitors either during appointments at ICE’s Blue Ash office near Cincinnati or after being detained and released.

Some have reported physical problems associated with the devices, including pain, swelling and blisters. Others have said the monitors interfere with their jobs and daily lives.

At the Haitian Community Help and Support Center on Monday, Aug. 31, numerous people told volunteers that the monitors had negatively affected them. Several said they felt embarrassed wearing the devices at work.

One man told LJ News Opinions that although he had received a promotion to a management position, he believed some coworkers no longer respected his authority and questioned whether he had done something wrong because of the ankle monitor.

The concerns surrounding Bel’s death have intensified debate within Springfield’s Haitian community over the impact of immigration enforcement and electronic monitoring.

The Department of Homeland Security did not return a request for comment before publication.

Help is available

Anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide or emotional distress can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 at any time, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Support is also available through the 988 Lifeline website.