Adrian Robinson’s cause of death has been released. According to the Denver Post, it was suicide by hanging.
In the weeks before his death, Robinson alluded to relationship problems, a common setting event for suicidal behavior, retweeting the following tweet on April 28:
it's crazy that the person who makes you the happiest can make you the saddest
— The Weeknd (@YaBoyWeeknd) April 28, 2015
He also alluded to his own death in a tweet from his own Twitter feed:
I knew I was going to do something great,I knew I wasn't going to die 20 miles from where I was born, nor 20 miles from where I lived....
— Adrian Robinson JR. (@CuatroTres) April 30, 2015
His final tweet on May 12 referenced his daughter:
Summer and the laugh of my daughter make me believe in God.
— Adrian Robinson JR. (@CuatroTres) May 12, 2015
Adrian Robinson was right—he did do something great, and he was something great. His suicide shouldn't change that. When a person commits suicide, it is a sign that he or she lost the battle with the psychic pain that eventually became too overwhelming. Behind many a strong facade is abject brokenness.
Mental illness and suicide are highly stigmatized, particularly among men who are often embarrassed to admit they are having psychological problems and feel emasculated in seeking out help. Janet Karnes, the director of Pikes Peak Suicide Prevention in Colorado Springs, explained, "The pain of dying is less frightening than the pain of living. People who are in great distress are not thinking clearly, so do not expect logic to apply. Some people believe that suicide is a selfish act, but the truth is they become so self-focused that they think others will be better off without them."
If you are a loved one are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, seeking help is a sign of tremendous courage, not weakness. Depression and suicidal ideation are extremely isolating, but Adrian Robinson was not alone in his distress. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 8.3 million adults have had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year.
All of us, in addition to being fans, have other roles. We are parents, friends, children, coworkers and siblings. For help, or to become more informed about risk factors related to suicide, please visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.