Teen football player takes his life.
This pandemic is taking its toll on everyone, including teenagers and athletes. Some people are optimistic that things will go back to normal. Others, like Spencer Smith, resorted to taking their own life.
Courtesy: CNN
Smith was an optimistic 16-year-old kid, an honors student, and a terrific lineman on his high school’s football team in Brunswick, Maine. If not on the field during the season, Smith enjoyed watching the New England Patriots with his father.
Like all teenagers, including myself, Smith was frustrated when his school went to remote learning. He struggled with the platform. But he was still hopeful that his beloved football season would resume. But as the pandemic continued, the school decided to switch to flag football. Not a fan of flag football, he quit the team and also stopped working out.
Then, sadly, in December, Smith took his own life. He was 16 years old.
Looking back, Smith’s dad knew that his son missed tackle football and hanging with his friends. But nothing prepared him for having to bury his son.
If you’re contemplating suicide–or you know a teen considering it–please reach out and talk to them. Tell them it’ll be OK, and let them know you’re there. I also recommend calling a suicide prevention hotline (see below).
Many of us feel alone during these hard times, myself included, but suicide is never a solution. It will hurt your loved ones more than the pandemic.
RIP Spencer Smith. 1-800-273-8255
