Colorado Springs mother opens up about mental health, suicide after son’s death
Angel Bradley is taking a brave step to open up the conversation on mental health, starting an organization in her late son’s honor.
“Devin was a vibrant and compassionate young man. He was a good student, a loyal friend, and a beloved son. These facts are what make Devin’s story such a tragic one no one saw it coming.” she said.
Devin was just 17 years old when he died. Bradley’s story is similar to others in the area — El Paso County leads the state for suicides. El Paso County reported 163 suicides in 2017, up from 106 in 2007.
Bradley created Devin 4 Life, a non-profit organization working to create awareness and provide resources towards creating a bully and suicide-free environment. The organization also works to provide information and assistance to anyone adversely affected by bullying and suicide in our communities.
According to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, youth suicides in El Paso County remain lower than older populations, but there has been a trend that shows an increase of suicide within the young population.
Suicide rates nationally are at a near-30-year high, and the 1,058 people who committed suicide in Colorado last year put the state seventh in the country
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a toll-free number: 800-273-TALK (8255).
Stay with KRDO NewsChannel 13 tonight to hear more on how suicide affects the family members left behind.
