Update: Death investigation in Fairmount Ravine

10:40 AM: Police and fire are now rushing into Fairmount Ravine (Fairmount Avenue south of Harbor). There is a report via scanner that someone went off the Admiral Way Bridge over the ravine. Avoid Fairmount from either end. Crews on scene report via radio that they do not believe the person survived.

10:53 AM: Though Fairmount is not blocked on the Harbor Avenue end, the emergency response is centered near the underside of the bridge. Units have just called by radio for the Medical Examiner to be summoned, which is a confirmation that the person died.

11:07 AM: Authorities on the scene tell WSB this is believed to be suicide. Identifying the victim will be up to the ME, who has not yet arrived. Traffic remains blocked off along Fairmount on both sides of the site where the road goes under the bridge. It has been three years since the last such death on which we reported.

EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are wondering why we are reporting this, when some media do not: Suicide is an epidemic – claiming more lives than homicide – that must be addressed, not ignored; we report it here along with other violent deaths, and as per experts’ recommendations, offer resource information: If you or someone you know has contemplated suicide, the local Crisis Clinic is there to help: 206/461-3222. There’s a national hotline at 800/SUICIDE

5:41 PM: We asked the Fire Department if they had any age/gender information from the time their crews spent at the scene; Lt. Sue Stangl says their report notes only that the victim was an adult female.

anoynomous March 29, 2011 (10:46 am)

pray for the person’s family for the victim who jumped off of the admiral bridge.

parent March 29, 2011 (11:08 am)

I drove by there right after. So tragic. I’m still shaking. How do we know they jumped? That cement barrier/railing cries “walk me, walk me – I’m 2′ wide and so low”. It freaks me out hoping my boys won’t walk it. I probably would’ve as a teen. How can we get a safer, not so tempting barrier/rail along there?!

Steph in WS March 29, 2011 (11:26 am)

Very sad news. Thank you for reporting it and not ignoring it.

homedk March 29, 2011 (11:37 am)

So very sorry to hear this. I’ll echo the thanks for reporting it. I’ve known several people who have committed suicide; the social stigma for the family & friends left behind makes an already sad situation even worse.

Yardvark March 29, 2011 (11:47 am)

Thank you for not ignoring this tragedy.

MB March 29, 2011 (11:51 am)

How awful :( so sad for the loved ones left behind. I’ve never understood why most news organizations don’t report on suicides, especially when the act takes place in public. It’s reality, often preventable and shouldn’t be taboo to discuss.

WS gal March 29, 2011 (11:55 am)

So sad. I just drove by about 1/2 an hour ago and there was a small step stool against the railing on the north side of the bridge. It looked ominous (as did the 3 police cars) so I decided to check the blog for info. I’m so sorry for the family.

Schmoopie March 29, 2011 (11:58 am)

Thank you for being supportive of suicide prevention via reporting it and giving information to people who may need it. My thoughts are with this person’s friends and family who will no doubt, be grief-stricken.

Live Here; Learn Here March 29, 2011 (12:08 pm)

Schmoopie, ditto. Thank you so much WSB.

A March 29, 2011 (12:25 pm)

Talking about these things brings awareness which helps lesson the social stigma. Thank you for sharing this.

Anonymous March 29, 2011 (12:59 pm)

Spoke with SPD dispatcher with very little information. On scene officers reported it as a young adult male in a dark coat, but witnesses at the scene reported seeing a young adult female. No additional info, as of 12:58pm

WSB March 29, 2011 (1:32 pm)

We were at the scene and authorities would not speculate on gender/age/etc., leaving that for the ME. If they do not have next-of-kin-notification challenges or other problems, that information may be available tomorrow.

Jeff March 29, 2011 (1:26 pm)

I’m endlessly impressed by WSB’s integrity and sense of community responsibility.

Alki Resident March 29, 2011 (1:32 pm)

Its about time we stop silencing suicide.Nobody talks about it.Why?This has been swept under the rug long enough.

coffee March 29, 2011 (1:41 pm)

Yes, its a horrible thing, suicide that is. We will never know in most cases why someone does take their life. Maybe they have medical issues, or home issues, or even credit issues, and let me tell you the way creditors treat people, I can understand why someone would have to go to the extreeme. I always am sorry for both sides, the family and the troubled one that took the extreeme. And yes, people need to talk about it ALOT more.

MSD March 29, 2011 (1:57 pm)

I wonder if this will happen in our area more now that the Aurora Bridge now has taller fencing to prevent jumping. — Hopefully not. Thanks, as always for your great reporting and covering of important issues!

alkifan March 29, 2011 (2:00 pm)

There is a very good reason why suicide reporting must be limited, it is called “Suicide Contagion,” which is a confirmed phenomenon. By publishing anything that discusses that persons problems or “how much they will be missed” etc. it can influence others to act or carry out their suicide ideation. WSB is doing it right so far by only publishing facts.

Here is a link that explains it much better than I can:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/00031539.htm

WSB March 29, 2011 (2:05 pm)

Yes, we have studied up on that plus media guidelines from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. There are details of this one, in fact, which we have not included, out of respect for those guidelines. But limited is such a world away from completely ignoring it, which is what most of the “old media” (which, for any new arrivals, is where I drew my paycheck for more than a quarter-century) still does. In a case like this, it’s not necessarily citywide news anyway – no major roads blocked for hours, etc. – but there are cases that were, and yet the heart of the story, including an opportunity to educate about suicide prevention and its real root causes (“a deadly symptom of a treatable illness”), was lost. That treatable illness is mental illness, which too is little understood, and stigmatized – yet how many of us have not either experienced it ourselves or in close family/friend circles? … TR

ummm March 29, 2011 (2:08 pm)

I am so incredibly sad for this person’s family.

Tim March 29, 2011 (2:22 pm)

Right on WSB. Sad news and our prayers go to his/her family

alkifan March 29, 2011 (2:33 pm)

Thanks WSB, I was trying to explain to folks why many things about suicides aren’t covered. Along the same thread, I have had to explain to people why suicide location memorials are a bad idea. Local schools are also doing a good job of limiting public emotional displays or glorifying the deceased-who obviously had serious problems- while providing help and resources

amalia March 29, 2011 (2:41 pm)

Horribly tragic. So sad for the family/friends. Thank you, WSB, for the incredible thought and work you put into all you do for our community.

sad March 29, 2011 (3:17 pm)

Regarding suicide and the CDC thing – my brother committed suicide at 27 and my feeling is that if they are at this point they will find a way to do it no matter what. He had two previous attempts before he succeeded and when he did it was well planned and thought out. He was getting ‘help’ and did have a chemical imbalance but he was also determined to leave this world regardless. I guess what I am trying to say is that often there is nothing we can do and even with our best efforts they find a way. This is why suicide is so difficult because there is a lot of survivor guilt. So sorry to hear this story – for everyone involved – the person who took their life, the person who saw it happen, the first responders and the family. I am glad you posted it WSB as there is a lot of shame surrounding suicide and I agree with your points for posting.

sophista-tiki March 29, 2011 (4:06 pm)

sadness

Born To Be Mild March 29, 2011 (4:25 pm)

This is from the link provided by Alkifan about Suicide Contagion, “Cataloguing the problems that could have played a causative role in a suicide is not necessary, but acknowledgment of these problems is recommended. ” I’m curious, will this part of the story be reported? I’d like to know what was in the mind of the “completer”.

WSB March 29, 2011 (5:23 pm)

BTBM, there are some lines we don’t cross, and generally, this is one, unless someone comes forward and wants to tell the story, in which case we are here to listen and report.
.
In several of the previous incidents we have covered, days, weeks later, friends/relatives have found the comment sections on WSB and left remembrances, even lamentations … as if they were just looking for someplace that acknowledged it had happened … and this is the place they found. There was one death a year or two ago in which a friend of the person left several comments here; I had done research after learning the victim’s ID, and I thought hers might have been a compelling story to tell, because of the amazing work she had done in her life – IF anyone wanted to tell it, IF I had found any public acknowledgment of her passing. I put an open invitation in the comments, and sent a note to the commenter. It was not responded to, and that’s OK by me. Anyway, regarding acknowledging the problems, I prefer the general awareness-raising, and hope that serves some function.

Saddened March 29, 2011 (5:06 pm)

Born to be mild

The mind of the “completer” as you call it was very very very sad, nothing but ending it all were on their mind … no feelings left to feel … my prayers for the family and friends

Kristen March 29, 2011 (5:41 pm)

First for foremost: my prayers and thoughts with the victim here, as well as his/her loved ones. They have a lifelong road of recovery ahead of them- to be left standing in the wake of a suicide is hell on earth. My heart is so heavy from this news.

Secondly, WSB, I have to thank and congratulate you again for being brave enough to report suicides in the community. I just wish there weren’t so many- any at all- to have to report. This is an epidemic, affecting all ages and all areas of the country, and the media can’t be afraid to report it. When it happens in your own backyard to someone in your community, a neighbor, it’s especially upsetting- not to mention a real wakeup call. Those of us who have lost people we care for to suicide applaud you for such classy and respectful journalism. Sometimes, the only good thing that can potentially come out of a suicide is the chance to raise awareness and make someone else reconsider their actions… we can only hope that this will be the case here.

Anyone who has suicidal thoughts, is concered about another person who may be suicidal, or is coping with the loss of a loved one to suicide should look into the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – afsp.org.

renaissancered March 29, 2011 (6:08 pm)

Thank you WSB for posting the Crisis Clinic info here. My heart goes out to all involved in this since I’m sure many people will be touched by this event.

anon for this post March 29, 2011 (7:04 pm)

WSB,
You are absolutely right about family members reading about your reports on the blog “as if they were just looking for someplace that acknowledged it had happened”. I am speaking from the personal experience of finding WSB several years ago because my loved one had ended his life in a tragic, public way. I was in shock and online looking for any hints as to what led up to that awful final moment. So every time I see another family’s tragedy, I am reminded about how important your professional reporting is and how through kind supportive comments, the community can offer support and “hugs” to all forever changed by this event. Crisis clinic is a wonderful resource. They are also SOS (survivors of suicide) meetings available. I would never wish this experience on anyone. Comfort and healing,

Tim March 29, 2011 (7:19 pm)

2009 King County Medical Examiner report (latest edition)

http://www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/~/media/health/publichealth/documents/examiner/2009MedicalExaminerReport.ashx

2009 homocides – 63 – 2.9% of all deaths
2009 suicides – 253 – 11.8% of all deaths

4 times more suicides, and we barley hear about any of them.

Thanks WSB for doing what other media won’t.

MMB March 29, 2011 (7:34 pm)

At age 14 I came across the body of a suicide victim – a boy from my school. Also at a young age, influenced by that experience, I volunteered at the Crisis Clinic. That is a fine and worthy organization. We’re all in this together…my heart goes out to the victims and their families.

JimmyG March 29, 2011 (8:27 pm)

While I don’t disagree with WSB for reporting on this suicide, I believe reporting on only these “public” suicides skews most peoples perceptions of the actual incidence of suicides.
Most suicides aren’t done in public, they’re done privately and by only reporting on jumpers and the like it sensationalizes what is for most a tragic and lonely decision.
As Tim’s stats point out above, suicide is happening a LOT more often than most people realize.

WSB March 29, 2011 (9:21 pm)

JimmyG, agree with you there, but in this case, it’s a case of “well, it’s better than nothing” – unlike homicides, there is not generally a large police or fire response for suicides, and we’re not plugged into every Medical Examiner dispatch. The ME’s daily “media line” list of deaths that were investigated only breaks it down by city, so it’s impossible to get more info from that; vital stats aren’t broken down by neighborhood at all (I have asked before, because I would like to run lists of WS births and deaths, to be a more comprehensive information source). Listening to that recording is a jarring reminder as most days there are at least a couple suicides on the list, and all the deaths investigated by the ME are listed with brief but graphic recounting of the injuries/other physical damage/failures that were ruled responsible. Each one of those people, with a story. One told publicly, that greatly affected my thoughts on the subject as a journalist, is one that I have mentioned on WSB before, but have not had occasion to for quite a while. It both tells a personal story and also rages at what I mentioned earlier … the failure to cover the epidemic. It’s a 7-year-old Seattle Weekly story by Philip Dawdy:
http://www.seattleweekly.com/2004-01-14/news/one-suicide-too-many.php?page=full

BBGuest March 29, 2011 (8:33 pm)

So sad, so informative, thank you everyone.

Anon This Round March 29, 2011 (8:46 pm)

Thank you WSB for continuing to cover this sad, yet very important subject. I know people who are really, really struggling with keeping it together on this planet of ours. These are people who have been very highly functioning until events transpire that throws them completely off the tracks. Some are seriously depressed due to economic insecurity. Others find themselves completely overwhelmed and unable to cope.

Mental illness needs to continue to come out of the closet. Again, I thank the WSB for its continued coverage. My heart goes out to the person who is now gone and all the people who are left behind.

(required) March 29, 2011 (9:24 pm)

Just when I think WSB could get no better, could get no more sincere, and could not be any more amazing in terms of its journalistic and human excellence, you go and do it again. Thanks WSB for caring about a tragic, terrible loss, and for raising our awareness of this issue.

JJ March 29, 2011 (9:31 pm)

JimmyG makes a good point. For example, a friend of Jeremy Peck’s recently committed suicide a few weeks ago, and his case is yet to be acknowledged by the media. So sad. RIP Luke Comer

Grant March 30, 2011 (5:27 am)

My condolences to any family or friends this person may have had.

Another way to look at the ME’s report: Depression is the third leading cause of death in the Seattle area.

I have appreciated WSB’s thoughtful journalism on this issue on a couple other stories in the past couple years. I think it is a taboo subject, because suicide is, in a way, a rejection of the world that society has created and holds up in celebration. To choose to leave mankind is to choose to condemn it implicitly.

I once read that “depression is not having someone to love,” and while not all depressions originate the same, there is a lot of truth to that. If you have been depressed (and are already being treated or counseled), please take a trip to the Seattle Humane Society. There are is an animal there who will love you for you, who really needs YOU to step in and change (save) their life. Whether or not you come home with a new pet friend, I’m sure you will feel a healthier perspective on yourself afterwards.

Casey March 30, 2011 (6:53 am)

Thank you WSB also for reporting on this..prayers to the family and friends.and hopefully they’ll find answers if that’s what they’re searching for. In the case of a suicide in a home or not in a very public place wouldn’t it be up to the family/friends to report it if they want the story heard? Would the only way for instance of WSB to find out be from the medical examiner or family/friends? Any instance in private or public is very sad and I agree it needs more attention to hopefully prevent it.

silverfox March 30, 2011 (9:43 am)

JJ – are you saying Lukiah committed suicide??? I thought it was an accidental death! I knew him since he was 5 years old…

Todd March 30, 2011 (11:14 am)

I agree with much of what has been said. Suicide leaves unanswered questions, a stigma of the survivors and endles thoughts of self-doubt in survivors of “what could have been done”. My wife and I lost our son last year to suicide. It was completely unexpected and a shock – he gave no indication that this would happen and our lives are forever changed. He was also Luke’s best friend (mentioned above by JJ). Luke had an incredibly hard time coping with Ryan’s death and we had talked to him many times in the past months. My wife was the one who had to notify Luke’s mother and it is tragic, but not exactly a suicide. Jeremy’s death also affected Luke heavily and I think young people just don’t have the grasp of what life has to offer.
If anyone is interested, my wife started an account for donations to be made to Luke’s mom – any local branch of Chase (the account was created at the Morgan St. Thriftway) will take donations in the name of Linda Comer.

george March 30, 2011 (1:29 pm)

The sadness of losing a child is just overwhelming. My heart and prayers go to you, the families and friends.

silverfox March 30, 2011 (5:20 pm)

Oh Todd, I am so sorry about your wife’s and your son! I heard about this through the circle of friends – and yes, I hear Luke never got over losing Ryan. I am so, so sorry. (Thanks for the clarification about Luke.)

Thank you so much for starting an account for donations – very kind and generous. Maybe I will meet you and your wife on the 9th?

Nulu March 31, 2011 (11:54 am)

Serious clinical depression, even with the best counseling, medication, group therapy, loved ones and pets, has a reported 25% death rate.
–
There are no absolute treatments, much less cures, just a dogged hope that in the future we as a society can better address this disease.
–
Anyone or anyone you know who speaks of depression should be taken seriously. If you or your loved ones are depressed, please seek help.

missingyou March 31, 2011 (6:18 pm)

This person was my best friend. I just found out this afternoon. I spent the entire weekend with her and had absolutely no idea what-so-ever she was this despondent. We all have problems, but need to realize nothing is insurmountable. Please, please reach out to someone if you’re down. If you’re considering suicide, get help. There is always an alternative. Don’t make anyone else go through this endless questioning of ‘why’. I would have done anything to keep you in my life, cuz you were the funny one.

k March 31, 2011 (6:50 pm)

to missingyou and the family– I am sooooo sorry. I will be praying and sending love to you all.

The people that I have known who committed suicide had made multiple attempts, were getting lots of help, but in the end made the decision that they did in a deliberate, calm way. I don’t know what more friends and family could have done.

Paula T April 1, 2011 (11:21 am)

@missing you. I am so sorry for the loss of your friend, and my heart breaks for her family. I lost a cousin and a friend the same way.

sarelly April 1, 2011 (1:02 pm)

I’m impressed that people here are being so nice about it, instead of calling the suicidal person an idiot, which so often happens. One of the reasons people probably avoid seeking help is the risk and humiliation of admitting to being in that much pain, coupled with the experience of being accused of being manipulative or attention-seeking. I’ve known a couple of people who talked about suicide…and then killed themselves, after one or more attempts, but I didn’t know them well. I asked myself what I might have done to prevent them from going through with it – if I had called, if I had checked in more often, etc. I think it’s safe to say that a suicidal person is suffering from a lack of perspective. Having gone through recurring episodes of major depression in my 48 years on this earth, I know there is a tendency to spiral into isolation, which can make things a lot worse. I believe people don’t really want to die, they just want the pain to stop – and they want to know how to live in a way that is not overwhelmingly painful. People probably kill themselves because they get to a place where it seems like the only way to get relief. As has been said by many, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Life is short, and death is long. A person in the depths of despair gets a kind of tunnel-vision about it, so it’s all they can see. That is definitely not the fault of anyone else – it’s an illness, the way diabetes or cancer is no one’s fault. I’m lucky because I got some good, competent help and learned some good tools to deal with depression. It’s hard to get out of the internal negative feedback loop without meaningful, educated, consistent, and reliable support, so that much at least is critical, if they know help is available. But if it is, they need to be receptive and no one can make that decision for them.

WSB April 1, 2011 (1:49 pm)

Sarelly, thank you for sharing your story. I have in previous comment threads also shared something similar … having survived 3 bouts with extreme anxiety disorder that at one point made life barely bearable – for the first time I had a window into what that kind of pain was really like – and it changed my perspective forever. Re: the commenters – we would not have permitted any comments calling the victim an “idiot” to go through – but I am pleased to say, I have not had to make any such deletions here. – TR

A shocked friend April 1, 2011 (10:12 pm)

@missing you. I had a phone call today telling me that a mutual friend that I hadn’t seen in a # of years had committed suicide and I think she might have been your friend that you referred to. Is there any way to make contact with you without making your info and my info public? A shocked friend

R April 1, 2011 (10:34 pm)

Thank you for reporting this sad event. As it happens this person was a member of my family, seeing that the community cares helps. Thank you for all your condolences.

L.M. April 1, 2011 (11:26 pm)

As it turns out, I knew this little fiery lady too… ( in the Fairmount article) she was a family friend for quite some time. I was absolutely shocked when I
heard the news this morning, I also had no idea that this would EVER even be an option for her. My deepest, heart-felt condolences to her family.

57 April 2, 2011 (5:05 am)

Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. This week OUR dear Friend and CO-worker left us. This news is heartbreaking to all that knew her and to all the lives she has touched over the years. It breaks my heart to know she didn’t reach out to someone or felt she couldn’t reach out and pour her heart and feelings to someone. My thougths and prayers go out to the family and to everyone who knew her. I sat at your desk yesterday and read your cards on the wall and thought WOW you were amazing and you were loved. I wish that you could of re-read those cards and that those cards would of changed your mind. I wish we all could of changed your MIND. You are deeply missed here and you will forever remain in our hearts! I pray that your pain is no more and that you have found peace dear. For those who are here when you look up into the sky at night…Just maybe they are not the stars you are seeing, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.

A shocked friend April 2, 2011 (10:03 am)

If there is some sort of service held by her workplace, would one of you post it on here? We would very much like to come.

missingyou April 2, 2011 (11:07 am)

@ a shocked friend: perhaps WSB could get us in touch? Work will be having some kind of memorial, tho when & where hasn’t been decided yet. Some of her friends are thinking a good ol Irish wake might be in order. We’re all still reeling–we only found out Thursday that it was her.

A shocked friend April 2, 2011 (11:21 am)

@missing you – thank you. I will keep checking here for details.

IMB April 2, 2011 (12:22 pm)

It is still with shock, the saddest of hearts and sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased woman that I say I was the witness to this tragedy as I was driving across the bridge and called 911. All of you have and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers in the years to come.

GP April 2, 2011 (4:29 pm)

I knew her years ago, and hired her to work for me. She was one of my best friends when I lived in Seattle. Had not seen or heard from her in 6 or 7 years, though I and many of her friends tried to contact her over the years with no response. I am still in shock and disbelief. There were so many who loved her and would have been there in a second if she had reached out. So sad that she apparently felt she had no one to reach out to. We will miss her very much.

A shocked friend (SC) April 2, 2011 (4:45 pm)

@IMB – I’m so sorry you witnessed this. Did you see her on top of the wall? I hope that you are doing alright as well.

pm April 2, 2011 (6:26 pm)

It is hard for me to find words right now. when i think of her and how much life poured from her and the importance of all the work she did and all the people she helped I am stunned. She was loved and yes we would have been there for her. A huge void has been left by her loss and I pray for her family and her closest friends to find comfort in each other and this beautiful world we have to enjoy.

dlkc April 3, 2011 (10:20 pm)

@IMB I am sorry that you had to witness this event but thank you for calling 911. I am still in shock/disbelief. My friend is gone and I dont understand why. She was a wonderful person and great friend and I miss her alot.

MC April 3, 2011 (11:05 pm)

I am so sorry to hear of this loss and how this young woman must have suffered. I agree so much with the people here to have said that this needs to be addressed more in our society. 3 years ago my long time girlfriend killed herself. I was devastated. I just now feeling like I can be happy again but still have moments when I miss her so much. She was always happy when around people. Everyone had such a hard time thinking that she even felt that way. In the wake of her suicide I found that I couldn’t talk to anyone about it or her and that was because they didn’t want to hear or talk about it. There are many old friends who are not my friends anymore because they shunned me. They didn’t want to hear or know anything about it. That hurt me a great deal. I felt very angry towards them for this. She was a wonderful woman and I loved her.
I’ve made new friends and have honored her in my life through my art. That’s about the best I can do with regards to what happened. Suicide damages the people that cared and loved the person who takes their own life.
And there is no help for those people who are suicidal.
I called so many people… doctors, crisis lines, mental health professionals… nobody could help her. That’s the saddest part and it also makes me angry. Nobody could help.
Urge politician, hospitals, healthcare workers… whoever can make a difference to start changing things. We have terrible mental health in this country. It must change now before more lost.

pm April 4, 2011 (11:29 pm)

@mc as a health care provider i am so upset that your girlfriend couldnt get the help she needed. I am also saddened that you were shunned by your friends. losing this person changed your life but the good part is you are fighting for improvements and speaking out about our broken and ineffective mental health system. The loss of this amazing woman in our lives has devastated alot of people that worked with her and loved her. as the shock wears off and the reality sets in It is hard to comprehend and grasp. pn

SC April 7, 2011 (10:12 pm)

Is there any news regarding a service?

AL April 7, 2011 (11:32 pm)

I too will miss her, always so energetic,so assertive, and always thinking to help others first and especially understand other patient or people problems. But never did I bother to know that she had her problems as well and that she was the one that needed help she was an amazing person and I will miss her.

A April 9, 2011 (2:02 pm)

Has her name been publicly released?

SC April 9, 2011 (8:28 pm)

Only under King County public records – her name was released 4/8/11, but there has been no paid obituary in the paper. I know more people would want to know, people that may not have seen her in a while. I’ve contacted some people, but I know there must be others.

A distant relative April 10, 2011 (8:59 am)

She was a caring, loving warm human being who cared for others. The pain she must of been going through she didn’t want to share with others. She helped others in need but didn’t know how to help her self. There is help out there no matter how hopeless we think it is. My prayers go out for her and all those who are “hurting”. Thank you WSB for not ignoring this taboo in our society. We all need to keep vigiliant of those in need around us.

A April 10, 2011 (12:03 pm)

Was her first name Sheila?

SPB April 10, 2011 (4:56 pm)

As family, I have begun and stopped many comments here, it’s been a tough thing to deal with. In the interest of respecting those who knew her all of our lives I would like to request that personal specifics be avoided here. If you knew her and were friends please contact each other directly. The family has wanted to stay out of the headlines and put the pieces together.

Thanks for your understanding

SC April 10, 2011 (11:34 pm)

To the family – I hope that you can feel that many people are praying for comfort for you and for you to come to some understanding of why this happened. You will be in our prayers for a long time to come.

Sorry, comment time is over.