It’s World Suicide Prevention Day, and one family dealing with tragedy is determined that it not go silently.
Sam Hopley loved having a coffee in downtown St. John’s, he loved his cat, reading a good book and playing pool.
But last week, at 27-years-old, Sam died by suicide.
His family chose to be open about Sam’s battle with mental illness to spark a conversation that could save others fighting the same fight.
Later today friends and family of 27 year old Sam Hopley will gather at Bannerman Park to pay tribute to humans celebrate his life. Family friend, @popfudgechris joins us in studios to talk about Sam’s honest and moving obituary. #SuicidePreventionDay @590VOCM @Fred_Hutton pic.twitter.com/CMyn0Ap4Ou
— Gerri Lynn Mackey (@GerriLynnMackey) September 10, 2019
Sam’s friend Chris Fudge says the conversation has to happen now, because people are dying now that need help. He says everyone talks about physical health. Even in an obituary you can see “so-and-so passed away after a battle with cancer”.
It’s the same with mental health, he says, which needs a regular checkup just as physical health does. And it starts with everyone talking more and saying we are all in this fight together.
