Tragic Endings

Sam Burnham, Curator
​@C_SamBurnham

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255

In the wake of the deaths of designer Kate Spade and now celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain, I want to share a few thoughts on a subject that is not unique to any region or population. While these are two well known cases, there are, on average, 121 suicides every day that you’ll never know about that are no less tragic - including incredibly high rates among farmers and veterans.

During the course of my primary career, I’ve been witness to the immediate aftermath of suicide on more occasions than I am able to or care to count. I’m shocked at the numerous and varied methods people use to destroy themselves. The one thing unique to each is that the people were all equally dead and the deaths were all equally tragic.

Having seen the problem first hand, I’d encourage anyone who struggles with or loves someone who struggles with the conditions that so often lead to this ending to seek help. There’s hope and there’s help. The pain left to loved ones in the wake of suicide is more than anyone should ever bear.

I'd like to add that my prayers are especially with the daughters of these two celebrities and the families and friends of the of the much less famous victims as well.

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