Brady Hessbrook was a young and talented football player who had a bright future ahead of him. He played as a quarterback for Ithaca High School and Wayne State University, where he was majoring in Global Supply Chain Management. He was also a member of the First Team for Division 7 All-State and received recognition from the Detroit Free Press for his achievements. However, his life came to an abrupt end on Friday, January 27, 2023, when he died by suicide at the age of 20. His death shocked and saddened his family, friends, teammates, coaches, and fans, who remembered him as a kind, smart, and hardworking person.
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What Led to Brady Hessbrook’s Suicide?
The exact reasons behind Brady Hessbrook’s suicide are not known to the public. However, some sources have speculated that he may have been struggling with mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety. According to US Day News, Brady had transferred from Saginaw Valley State University to Central Michigan University in 2022, where he pursued his degree but did not play football. This may have been a difficult transition for him, as he had to adjust to a new environment and cope with the loss of his passion. Additionally, he may have faced academic pressure or personal problems that affected his mood and self-esteem.
According to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young adults aged 15-24 in the United States. Some of the risk factors that can increase the likelihood of suicide include mental disorders, substance abuse, stressful life events, exposure to suicidal behavior, and access to lethal means. Some of the warning signs that can indicate that someone is thinking about suicide include talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or trapped, withdrawing from social activities, giving away possessions, and showing changes in mood or behavior.
How Did the Football Community React to Brady Hessbrook’s Death?
Brady Hessbrook’s death was met with an outpouring of grief and support from the football community. His former teammates, coaches, opponents, and fans expressed their condolences and shared their memories of him on social media. His father, Terry Hessbrook, who was also his former coach at Ithaca High School and the athletic director of the conference, received prayers and sympathy from his colleagues and peers. His funeral was held on Friday, February 3, 2023, at St. Paul the Apostle Church in Ithaca. A Catholic Prayer Vigil was also held on Thursday, February 2, 2023, at Smith Family Funeral Homes in Ithaca. In lieu of flowers, his family requested donations to The B#4 Foundation, which was established in honor and memory of Brady.
The Wayne State University Athletics Department also issued a statement on its website, saying that it was heartbroken by the news of Brady’s passing and that it offered its sincere condolences to his family and friends. It also arranged for grief counseling through CAPS for anyone who needed it. Erika Wallace, the interim director of athletics at WSU, said: “The Wayne State Athletic Department was heartbroken by the news of Brady’s passing this weekend. Our sincere condolences go out to the Hessbrook family and the entire Ithaca community during this difficult time.”
How Can We Prevent Suicide Among Young Athletes?
Suicide is a preventable tragedy that can be avoided if we pay attention to the signs and offer help to those who need it. Young athletes are often under a lot of pressure to perform well in their sport and in their academics. They may also face challenges such as injuries, losses, conflicts, or transitions that can affect their mental health. Therefore, it is important to provide them with adequate support and resources to cope with their stress and emotions.
Some of the ways that we can prevent suicide among young athletes include:
- Encouraging them to seek professional help if they are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety or having suicidal thoughts.
- Providing them with a safe and supportive environment where they can express their feelings and concerns without fear of judgment or criticism.
- Educating them about the risk factors and warning signs of suicide and how to intervene if they notice them in themselves or others.
- Promoting healthy habits such as regular exercise, adequate sleep, balanced diet, and social interaction.
- Recognizing their achievements and strengths and helping them develop a positive self-image and self-confidence.
- Respecting their decisions and choices and allowing them to have autonomy and control over their lives.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text HOME to 741741. You are not alone and there is hope for recovery.
