Out of the Darkness Walk brings together hundreds of people for suicide prevention

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) – Hundreds of people turned out at the Coliseum for the Out of the Darkness Walk organized by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Many people who have come say the support from these walks has been overwhelming.

“So it’s a little stressful, a little emotional,” said Heather Wyatt, Aubreigh Wyatt’s mother. “We lost Aubreigh over a year ago so it’s great to have the support. It’s emotional, but it’s empowering to be able to raise awareness, share the message (and) try to reach out to people and help other people’s families and anyone else who may need that support.”

According to the Mississippi Department of Mental HealthSuicide is the third leading cause of death for Mississippians aged 15 to 24. 11. root cause deaths in the USA

Since 2004, hundreds of cities across the country have participated to give people the courage to open up about their connections to the issue and provide a platform to create a culture that is smarter about mental health.

“You know, for people who have lost a loved one to suicide, I think it’s a very healing event. They can find these kinds of shared experiences with other people who know what they’re going through. It’s really priceless, you know.” said Meghan Goldbeck, executive director of AFSP in Louisiana and Mississippi.

During the program, military service members performed a 22 push-up challenge in honor of the participants.

One family said their son would be thrilled to know that so many people came to help him.

“He (Dakoda) was the center of attention. He said, “Hey, let’s do it.” He was the life of the party. That’s how it was,” the Peacock family said.

AFSP received over $37,000 in donations, including $10,000 from major sponsor Scarlet Pearl.

Goldbeck says the funds will help with research, suicide prevention education and support for survivors.

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