Terrible news.....

So I just learned today that a guy that goes to my school and who is in my own grade passed away yesterday. I was personally never friends with him but knew him and always thought of him as a tough guy and one who may have made fun of others. And he was a really big guy. But he was active in his church and like to help people from what I read. I ask for you all to pray for him and his name is Josh Sweet. Died yesterday at the age of 17. Not sure what the cause of it was but it makes me think of how short life can be and really brought up my anxiety after reading. I feel emotions of shock mostly sadness and anxiety because of a guy my age dying at my age. Just the combination really set me off. Make me think if I'm gonna die again. But this is not about me it's about him and I ask that you all offer up a prayer for Josh.

It's just unbelievable to me to think a man that young can just pass. Just like about 4 years ago another senior died of an unknown cause to us that is

This is sad news. His family will be in our prayers. I hope that you can perhaps talk with some of your peers, and perhaps go to the services for your classmate if possible, to help you work out some of your feelings and pay respects to the family.

Try to keep your anxious thoughts at bay by remembering that this has no effect or connection to you other than that you were classmates. Of course it brings worrisome thoughts to the surface, but don't let them take root...this is a rare passing of a young person that has nothing to do with your situation.

S.C.

Well I know the cause of death to josh and he committed suicide... That's just an awful way to go and will never understand why.

Jocipher,

I just wanted you to know how deeply saddened I was to read of the death of your schoolmate.

I cannot imagine the turmoil and pain his parents and friends  must be going through.

I do not think anyone can understand what is going through the mind of a person who is so confused and sad that suicide feels like the only way to cope with their pain. 

Feeling grief at the death of a friend, even though we may not be  best friends, is God's way of helping us deal with the sudden loss of a person who will be missed by so many.

Gentle Hugs to you,

Kitt

that is a very sad situation. hugs to you. it's hard to understand how one could be in that much pain. :(

That is really sad to hear. I'm sorry he was in so much pain. As a Christian, though, I believe that he's in a place of comfort beyond compare now, though.

I hope that knowing his cause of death helps you understand that it is no indication that you're any more likely to die. It's shocking to lose someone so young, but these are usually very unusual circumstance - like this young man's depression and desperation.

As far as the services, if you're able, I think it would be good for you to go. Don't worry about whether you were "close enough" to go. I've lost a number of loved ones to suicide. In those cases, the family took much comfort in the sheer numbers of people who came to show support.

Joshua, go to the service, it's more for His Mother and Family,
it's good for them to know that You Cared, You can Pray for Him!

Larry ***

I imagine you will. I wouldn't be shocked if students are given the opportunity to talk to a counselor, as well.

I know all of those assemblies and counselors and stuff can seem dumb, but there's a lot of value in them sometimes.

At the local high school, a coach raped a young girl a few years ago. They called in a whole psychiatric team. lol I know some of the students were irritated hearing even more about what to do if you're raped, but ya know.. if it helped one person. ;)

Hang in there, friend.