diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index a465afd..4a8ec3a 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -34,4 +34,4 @@ For anyone who needs motivation to focus students, professionals, business owner
 - https://lucid.app/lucidchart/b21e47c0-d97b-4f2c-a8d7-765136d80f12/edit?viewport_loc=462%2C-16%2C2012%2C971%2C0_0&invitationId=inv_159c0efd-5942-40aa-9582-62b534aa5c56
 - last updated: 5/29/26
 
-Demo Video: 
\ No newline at end of file
+Demo Video: 
diff --git a/packages/backend/routes/users.js b/packages/backend/routes/users.js
index b78e214..9e9d421 100644
--- a/packages/backend/routes/users.js
+++ b/packages/backend/routes/users.js
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import mongoose from "mongoose";
 import User from "../models/user.js";
 import Group from "../models/group.js";
 import requireAuth from "../middleware/requireAuth.js";
+import { AUTH_COOKIE_NAME, clearAuthCookieOptions } from "../config/auth.js";
 
 const router = express.Router();
 
@@ -88,6 +89,24 @@ function getUserFilter(userParam) {
   return { email: value };
 }
 
+export async function deleteUserAccount(userId) {
+  const ownedGroups = await Group.find({ owner: userId }).select("_id");
+  const ownedGroupIds = ownedGroups.map((group) => group._id);
+
+  if (ownedGroupIds.length > 0) {
+    await Group.deleteMany({ _id: { $in: ownedGroupIds } });
+
+    await User.updateMany(
+      { groups: { $in: ownedGroupIds } },
+      { $pull: { groups: { $in: ownedGroupIds } } },
+    );
+  }
+
+  await Group.updateMany({ users: userId }, { $pull: { users: userId } });
+
+  return User.findByIdAndDelete(userId);
+}
+
 //update current user's commitment
 router.patch("/me/commitment", requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
   try {
@@ -287,4 +306,36 @@ router.put("/:userParam", requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
   }
 });
 
+router.delete("/:userParam", requireAuth, async (req, res) => {
+  try {
+    const filter = getUserFilter(req.params.userParam);
+    const targetUser = await User.findOne(filter).select("_id");
+
+    if (!targetUser) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: "User not found" });
+    }
+
+    // a user may only delete their own account
+    if (targetUser._id.toString() !== req.auth.userId) {
+      return res.status(403).json({ error: "You can only delete yourself" });
+    }
+
+    const deletedUser = await deleteUserAccount(targetUser._id);
+
+    if (!deletedUser) {
+      return res.status(404).json({ error: "User not found" });
+    }
+
+    // clear the session cookie so the client is immediately logged out
+    res.clearCookie(AUTH_COOKIE_NAME, clearAuthCookieOptions);
+
+    return res.json({
+      message: "Account deleted successfully",
+      deletedUserId: targetUser._id,
+    });
+  } catch (error) {
+    return sendError(res, error, 400);
+  }
+});
+
 export default router;