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Youth

After Teen's Suicide, Football Team Finds Ways to Cope and Raise Awareness

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

As the summer comes to a close, the Sanford High School football team is still reeling from the loss of their teammate, Jony Hunter, who took his own life in May just shy of his 17th birthday. The team has struggled to come to terms with the sudden absence of their emotional leader, morale booster, and arguably the best overall player. Despite the challenges, they are using the preseason to work through their grief and to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and open communication.

Key Takeaways:

  • Jony Hunter, a 16-year-old football player, took his own life in May, leaving behind a community in shock and grief.
  • The Sanford High School football team, led by coach Todd Hildebrand, is working to cope with the loss of their teammate and to raise awareness about mental health.
  • Hunter was a charismatic leader, known for his kindness and work ethic, who had been open with his family and friends about his struggles with depression and anxiety.
  • The team is using the preseason to emulate Hunter's work ethic and kindness, while also encouraging others to have difficult conversations about mental health.
  • The team hopes to honor Hunter by preventing similar premature deaths in the future, by promoting open communication and support.
  • Hunter's grandmother, Susan Spinney, said he was open with her about his feelings of anxiety, depression, and lack of belonging.
  • Data from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services shows approximately 28 people between the ages of 10 and 24 die by suicide in the state each year.
  • The Maine Integrated Youth Survey found that 9% of high school students self-reported attempting suicide in the previous year.
  • While girls are 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized because of self-inflicted injuries, boys account for 89% of the deaths.

Statistics:

  • Approximately 28 people between the ages of 10 and 24 die by suicide in Maine each year.
  • 9% of high school students in Maine self-reported attempting suicide in the previous year.
  • Girls are 2.5 times more likely to be hospitalized because of self-inflicted injuries than boys.
  • Boys account for 89% of the deaths by suicide in Maine.

Sources:

  • Data from the Maine Department of Health and Human Services
  • The Maine Integrated Youth Survey
  • The Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine)
  • Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC

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