Jeret "Speedy" Peterson, winner of the Olympic silver medal in the 2010 Olympics, took his life in a Utah canyon last night. I knew him only briefly, spent time with him after his wonderful accomplishment in Vancouver. I thought it was a redemptive moment for a troubled young man who had managed to dismiss his demons. I was wrong. Who knew what was really going on. From a distance, I am sure we all would say the world was his to conquer, young, accomplished, charismatic, good looking - what could go wrong? Why is it that the people I know who have killed themselves have so much we admire, that they don't see?
Unfortunately I am sure there so many more out there who have much more direct, and more insightful experience than I have on this tragic topic. I just ask for a thoughtful moment for all of those who have taken their lives...and for Speedy in particular.