A Central Florida couple is sounding the alarm about youth depression after their 16-year-old daughter committed suicide before beginning his senior year of high school.
McKenna Brown, 16, was a star athlete hoping to play women’s hockey at the University of South Florida. She was a day away beginning his senior year at East Lake High in Tarpon Springs before tragically taking his own life on August 7.
“He made a couple of mistakes. It led to some physical, sexual and emotional abuse,” Hunter’s father explained to FOX 13 in Tampa Bay. “She was blackmailed. She was bullied. She was betrayed by her best friend.”
His parents say that despite experiencing cyberbullying and abusive friendships during his teens, playing hockey had given him purpose and a source of happiness.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office is investigating McKenna’s death as her parents mourn.
“It’s been total hell, and I know he’s still around us, but he’s not here physically and it hurts,” his mom Cheryl said.
But while they mourn, Cheryl and Hunter Brown are also raising awareness. Not only do they encourage suicidal people to speak out, they also hold the parents of other children involved accountable.
“If you’re aware of something going on in your child’s life that’s affecting another child, you need to speak up,” Cheryl stressed. “You can’t just not say something. That’s not right and that could have prevented this.”
Above all, McKenna’s parents emphasize the importance of kindness and empathy.
“When you see someone who is being ostracized or alone or just needs a little hug, pick me up, you know, reach out to them,” Hunter said.
“Put your arm around them,” Cheryl added. “That’s what she did. And that’s the McKenna way.”
If you are having suicidal thoughts or experiencing a mental health crisis and you live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside of the five boroughs, you can call the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or visit SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
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