Suicide 4

Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. Over half of people who died by suicide did not have a known mental health condition. In 2019, there were 47,511 suicides in the United States: 23,941 were firearms, 13,563 were suffocation, and 6,125 were poisoning suicides.

Suicides are under-reported in media and on this website due to reticence on behalf of survivors. Many sudden and unexpected deaths on this site were deaths by suicide. Most of us suffered the loss of a classmate to suicide in our youth. However, adults are 10x more likely to die from suicide than adults.

Some of this reticence is due to a mistaken belief that talking about suicide encourages at-risk individuals to attempt or complete suicide. Talking about suicide encourages awareness, compassion, and support. Acknowledging and talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation. Know the risk factors and warning signs.

If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 across the United States. Please call at 800-273-8255 or use their chat.

• Laurelee Laplante Feb 15, 2020
• David Haughton Jun 16, 1996
• James P. Tierney Jun 2, 1990
• James Randall "Randy" Sharp Dec 1, 1972