A grieving father shares a story of isolation, emotion, and the loss of a child amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The current health pandemic has taken the entire world by storm. From isolation to increased insecurities, the effects have hit like a tidal wave. While the focus has been on the loss of loved ones who have contracted COVID-19 and lost a direct battle with the illness, others are succumbing to the coronavirus in a different way.
”I’ll be damned if I don’t make this a little bit better,” he says in the video. “I want his memory to be his heart. His dedication, his tenacity. He made a big difference in the world, lit a flame. Made a spark around the world.”
We are sharing this viral video to do our part to share Hayden’s story with as many as possible.
(This is a third-party publication. This is a news story about this family’s tragic loss and desire to share their son’s story).
When something this unspeakable happens, we immediately try to make sense of it by attributing it to something that recently happened in the individual’s life. That’s usually a mistake. Suicide among young people, sadly, occurs far too frequently. The feeling of social isolation among young people in many cases has little to do with proximity to others. A kid walking into a cafeteria at school who’s forced to eat alone because his peer group has shunned him, or a girl who becomes the target of gossip, or a whisper campaign, can also feel painfully isolated. These types of situations happen every day, fortunately most people are capable of living through these negative experiences without engaging in self harm. Sadly for poor Hayden, and many others, the experience is just too painful to endure. My heart breaks for the child and for his family. What’s important for the survivors to understand is that it wasn’t their fault, and it had little to nothing to do with fortnite or a broken monitor or Covid-19. To attribute the child’s death to Covid-19 is lazy and misguided. Those who are predisposed to self-harm may react to common life experiences others would just shrug off. Doesn’t mean they were weak, or that they pain they were experiencing wasn’t real and unbearable at that moment. So let’s keep Hayden and his grieving family in our thoughts and prayers. No one’s guilty here, may his family find peace.
I’m so so sorry for your loss hugs and prayers to you and your family
My heart hurts for you all what a precious young man he was may he RIP such handsome boy my deepest condolences to you all. Thank you for sharing with us
i am so sorry for your loss of your son hayden, how sad hugs and prayers to you and your family. i know how you feel i lost my son jeremy in a motorcycle accident he was 24 years old. god bless you and your son hayden
Have mixed feelings about this. Firstly, I want to express my utmost sympathy for this boy. He was a beautiful child. And I fully understand that he felt cut off from his friends/peers; like dogs, were “pack animals “. No man is an island. Kids need other kids at that age for companionship, camaraderie, and validation. Having said all that, there’s more to this situation than meets the eye. 1. Too much emphasis on these God-blasted computer games! Give him a book to read-play table games after dinner-FFS take the kid outside and throw a ball around! I’m sorry for this man’s troubles, but it seems like he’s turfing out the responsibly of nurturing your child to the public school system and computer games to keep him placated . He cannot shunt the blame over to this disease lockdowns and it’s consequences. There’s more to rearing a well-adjusted child than simply replacing monitors. Clearly, the kid had anger issues. Not once, but TWICE. It begs the question, WHY? And I have a feeling I know the answer-this man could have been very hard and critical of the child, which right there spawns MASSIVE low self-esteem issues. No, don’t blame the Corona, dear sir. Because I believe the fault lies with his parenting skills. This catastrophe has been brewing for a looong time, Mark my words. RIP , sweet Hayden.
L
And obviously you are a piece of shit for using this man’s tragedy of losing his son to take a stab at his parenting as the cause of his child’s suicide. Covid may not have been the actual cause, as there was clearly a mental health situation going on that went undetected like it does in many many suicide victims, but in no way does this man say anything that indicates he somehow did something that caused his son’s suicide. Perhaps he could’ve done more, but he’s just a man, working for a living and trying to be a good father & doing the best he can just like the rest of the parents of the world. So FUCK YOU for having such a cold heart and for judging this man’s parenting. Shame on you! And there but for the grace of God, go I! May this precious child rest in peace and may the family have comfort and the strength to be able to endure the most painful tragedy any parent could imagine; the loss of a child.
You invalidated what was a good point by cursing. Great job. Bet God’s smiling on you for using his name after such a vulgar destructive display of total inconsideration of someone else’s opinion. I know my God wouldn’t be happy about that. I’d hope yours wouldn’t either and you would realize that and do better next time.
Amen, in the mist of this family losing their child. People start blaming the parent. It appears that this man loved his child. He probably disciplined him like any other parent would do but this covid-19 is killing a lot of us in ways that we never imagined. So Father God i just ask u to comfort this family in Jesus name amen
He literally said it’s not how we think….you’re missing the point. Even I understood wat he is saying.
Do you have children subway girl? I doubt it. Because no one with children would judge another parent in the way you just have. If you do have kids, I feel sorry for them, as you are very obviously lacking any and all compassion for the human race. This is a man pouring his heart out, grieving in the worst way, telling the story of his sons suicide. How dare you judge. I hope to god you are never in the same position…and until you are, keep your mouth shut. We are in one of the hardest times any of us will encounter in our lives, and being a parent during it is HARD. We are all navigating it as best we can, but we are all HUMAN. A lesson I learned when I was 5…if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all
To the father in this video…I am so deeply and profoundly sorry for your loss. This breaks my heart. I too feel the sadness pouring out of my son and daughter from being unable to see their friends, hug their teachers and grandparents, run around with their cousins. It’s hard. And it’s not human nature. You are a wonderful dad. God bless you and I will keep your little Hayden in my prayers
I guess you raised the perfect well adjusted child right? Lol lol lol ya right how dare you! Obviously you’ve never lost a child! If you had you’d never say the things you just said!
I think people like you should just keep your mouths shut and opinions to yourself. This is not a opportunity to spread blame or point out facts that you clearly do not have any evidence or experience on. I am a father and I am trying to do my best to deal with the Covid19. It is hard on all of us. I constantly hear my children talk about how they miss their friends. You truly never know what’s going on in the minds of others a lot of times people put in a facade to distract others from seeing the truth they hide. It may have well been the isolation that provoked or amplified these thoughts and behaviors. So again please keep your snobby opinions to yourselves and give this man the respect he deserves for he is in morning and has lost his world. Most of you probably do not even have children of your own they are already going through incomprehensible pain they don’t need your negativity. God bless you sir and your family my prayers and condolences go out to you and your family.
Also another very important thing I forgot to add to my comment…Subway girl go screw your self.
I’m so sorry for your loss!
You’re an ass
Thank you for these lovely words to describe my exact sentiments while watching this video. My heart breaks for this family. And I understand the need to identify the “why” during such times of grief. But I couldn’t find anywhere where COVID-19 was the reason for this child’s choice. This level of hopelessness truly is far too common in our youth, and attributing this one case to an unprecedented pandemic takes away from the common reason why it happens in general (and assumes this would not have happened under any other circumstance).
You’re an idiot
I’ve read this and broke down , this is very sad and I feel for the kids because this isn’t any good for them . And I’ve never been more disgusted in humanity than today , how a lot of you can live with yourselves after some nasty comments you have written is beyond me . God bless this heartbroken man he seems like a great person whom loves his family the pride he takes taking about his son is so beautiful . The fact that he can read these comments and ppl to write appalling comments is utter disgusting . Give respect because one day you will meet your maker and your mother or family will be reading the insults of heartless idiots like yourself that leave dumb comments on someone’s Loss . Rip Hayden. God bless you all .god doesn’t like ugly ppl be nice or don’t write . He was 12 yrs old and his dad found him in a manner that no parent should ever find there child . Have some respect !!!!
This scared me so much😭 My Grandson has lost alot in his life. His Dad ..My mother…He was assaulted at age 4 his case went to Wayne County Proscecuters. When they called after four months ..No case. The prosecutor says to me is oh we can’t make a case and he was actually laughing as he tells me oh he forgot a word..and we had Hospital..The women’s shelter (she said they don’t make up these things at 4. Maybe when he is older he can take The Lady to court. And it messed up his schooling ..his life.. it’s real bad now the virus he is so scared he is going to die..never sees friends..became OCD And need doctor’s but our great social workers took him and sissy off Medicad. My Prayers and condolences to this family 😓 🙏🙌 This is Terrible.
God Bless this man and his family…God has Hayden ❤
Yes it’s very sad 😢
I was very heartbroken by this video. May God have mercy on this young man.
This man CAN most definitely say that COVID killed his son. The isolation of this time causes all kinds of pain. It is clear that this isolation contributed to his son’s sad, horrible death. To the asshole that said “it probably would have happened anyway,” do you have a crystal ball? Are you a therapist? Do you have even one ounce of understanding? I can’t believe the absolute ignorance and hurtfulness of many of the responses here. I have never seen such complete disregard for a person’s grief. I’ve been an RN for 31 years, specializing in psychiatric nursing, and a life has been lost here! A very young life! To his father, and his family…I’m so so sad for your loss. Thank you for sharing your story with us. COVID IS affecting some people this way, unfortunately. I’m so sorry about the assholes here that can’t be decent human beings. You didn’t deserve their inhumane treatment. Please know that not all of us are ignorant and hurtful. I hope time, and your memories, will ease your pain. <3
Completely agree with you, complete assholes!
As a nurse for 50 years, and having dealt with the death of hundreds of precious human beings, I am appalled at the people who have written such rude, heartbreaking and cold hearted words to this man. Everyone grieves in a different way, and should not be judged on it. This Dad is trying his best to put some sense in to this tragedy, he does not need the screen to show all the anger on here. Swearing, bullying, calling names and judging his situation should be in your list of things that are better left unsaid—-somehow you missed the chapter on learning manners, having compassion and the ability to care and show some sympathy and empathy. Until you have walked in this man’s shoes, and hopefully you never will, please take your energy to find some compassionate words to say to a grieving father. Or maybe you should reflect on your own anger well displayed on this screen. I have never seen such horrendous words used at a time of death, in my entire life. May God Bless this family and I will pray for their strength, while enduring this life changing tragedy.
How do you nurses do it? Dealing with so much death and suffering and still manage to be caring andcand individuals who go to work with a smile although you may be dying inside? I am amazed by this ability. You nurses are truly amazing. Thank you.
Thank you so much for sharing your family and emotions with us…..I will take this info very seriously especially since I have a 10 yr old son who’s a gamer too….so sorry for your loss and your kids sound amazing….I’ll be praying for you.
I feel sorry for this fathers loss. People don’t need to be mean but let’s be real here you can’t say COVID-19 killed your son that’s just ridiculous. Even if COVID-19 didn’t exist it would be a good chance this still would of happened. He still would of got a monitor he still would be playing fort nite and he still would of got angry and through his controller and did what he did. The poor boy unfortunately at that age may not comprehend the consequences of his actions my committing suicide. He didn’t realize a broken monitor isn’t the end of the world and that his parents might really be upset but I’m sure they’d forgive him. It’s sad what this family is going through but you can’t blame COVID-19 and you can’t blame the government for trying to keep us save. It’s great that he’s speaking about it to make other parents aware and every parent should be talking to their children at about age 10 about suicide and how it affects everyone and there’s nothing that can’t be fixed, especially with bullying still going on in schools.
I am so sorry for your loss This should be what you tell grieving parents. Shame on you.
You can’t know that. Can’t! I have a child who is hitting and punching himself in the head during this crap because no one likes him, he doesn’t have any friends and mom and dad won’t let him pet a cat 24/7 … It makes no sense. These are very uncertain times and let’s face it children don’t know how to deal with all this. No one, I repeat no one knows what was going through this child’s head before and after … No one will ever know. There is no way to ask him. Some stores will close up as a result of what’s going on with covid 19. Best man lost his son possibly as a result of what’s going on with covid 19 …
What a rude and immature comment. Next time don’t share because this isn’t the post to comment anything to ease the pain. Isolation can definitely be a killer. 😓
I have boys that are about the same age. My kids have changed quite a bit since March. It is heartbreaking, I cry EVERY SINGLE day for not just my kids, but other’s kids who have almost immediately been forced into a isolation. One day they could play, tackle, and play with their friends and in an instant, it has been ripped away from them. A comment like yours should not have been made, it is not helpful at all. You did not know this child at all, I would be willing to bet that this boy was not just angry at the screen, but it was truly the end of his world because of it being the ONLY connection to his friends.
The government can care less about our well being, we are being told that all of the restrictions are for our own and everyone else’s own good. Seriously, how is the government keeping us “safe?” So many families are unemployed, not receiving unemployment and probably won’t receive it, have not received the “magical” stimulus money that is supposed to keep our families housed, food banks cannot keep up, many of us cannot gather in churches because they are our only sources of hope….In the midst of this people are being ugly towards one another (a woman screamed “I hope that your children get covid and die!” from a car window when I decided after 50 days of isolation to take my kids to the park and get some sunshine. They heard it) and believe that they are doing the world a favor by being snitches and calling the police on friends and family for being snitches. I have had 1, yes just 1, single friend call me (not just text) to see how I have been in the past 3 months. I can barely handle it mentally, my kids are having a much harder time. Our world is scary, depressing, and so much harder on children whose worst day ever may have been wearing the “wrong pair” of shoes to school. Suicide hotline calls have increased by 891% and suicide rates have doubled in some places since this virus scare. In one week, more people died from suicide than covid in Tennessee.
The stress & the unhealthy behaviors developed from isolation & depression definitely can & obviously have impacted that little boy so who are you to discredit & disregard this father’s belief of how his son passed? He knows his son personally , you DON’T.. & he has the say to determine what he feels is at fault for affecting his son’s life & actions! I suffer depression and this virus has taken an emotional trigger to me as an adult, it’s a fact that this is a difficult time for us all. COVID-19 played a huge factor aiding in killing his son. If you disagree you should keep your comments to yourself instead of trying to debate & put your 2 sense in. Give your respects or shut the fuck up PERIOD. REST IN PARADISE HAYDEN!
Amen! I have a child that struggles with anxiety and this story spoke volumes to me! This is not how life should be
That’s a lie. Covid 19 has made my anxiety and depression worse than what it was. If this wasn’t around that little boy would’ve been able to see his friends. Fortnight was literally the only way he can play with his friends. So no it wouldn’t have happened.
Your comment is totally uncalled for and missy, it would not be a bad thing to delete it…
Well for example my son is playing way more on xbox then issually. He would practicing on two different baseball teams and also at school and playing with husually outside if this shit wasnt happending. It’s hard to keeps 10 year old busy all day and they stop seeing friend, teachers teammates. Very bad situation for young kids. This poor guy is in my prayers
Prayers to the family. This is just so sad. My heart breaks. What’s really sad is the people who are ignorant and say mean things. Especially when this father needs compassion and understanding and love. I can’t imagine the pain he feels. Please people, give love like the Lord wants us to do. There’s no room for hate, not here, not anywhere. I will pray for this family.
So very sad. I’m so sorry. I lost my Dad 3/10/2020. He also hung himself. It happened 1 day before his 61st birthday and 2 days before my baby’s 1st birthday. He had many personal struggles and was unfortunately incarcerated at the time. I think many people look at those who are incarcerated as inhuman…which is so far from the truth in many cases. People who are in that situation right now, who used to rely on family visits as a lifesaver, are now struggling more than you may understand. I just pray for all the families who have lost a love one to suicide and pray that they can find peace. Be kind to others, you don’t know what struggles they may be dealing with.
His son wasn’t incarcerated so your response isn’t relevant.
No offense but showing compassion with the fact that she also lost her father by suicide IS relevant. Why you hating?
Her comment is very relevant if you can’t see how you’re retarded! Obvious facts for dummies is as followed …. Incarcerated = isolation = depression= suicide.
COVID-19 = isolation = depression = suicide.
So how was her comment non relevant?..I’ll wait.
His son & her dad passed from suicide. Clear relevance. Even if you don’t feel they coincide she shared her story & if you don’t have nothing nice to say simply ” I’m sorry for your loss” then shut the fuck up bro! You’re one of the people that plays a part why this world Is so ignorant & disfiguring. God forbid something happened to your loved ones& have a goofy miserable asshole leave a insensitive rude comment you’ll feel the same pain. You need help & I can see that through your words without even knowing you.
Neither is your nasty and snarky remark. She lost her FATHER. Have some respect FFS!!!
To Christine, Thank you. I recently lost my 30 year old son to COVID-19. He was my only child and we were super close. I struggle everyday. I miss him so much. I’m blessed with many friends and family that love us both but nothing has eased my pain, nothing has stopped the tears. Your story is one I will think of when the tears are uncontrollable. I hope you continue to reach out to others who are suffering loss, whether to COVID-19 or not.
And to the dad who posted the video, Thank You as well. If those of us going through physical, emotional, spiritual and mental loss and hardship due to COVID-19 got just a touch of media exposure as those going through financial loss then we would know that we are not alone. Each time I see that “stronger together” and “we’re in it together” psa I think ‘you’re not talking to me.’ Time can not replace my loss…my son is gone forever. When COVID-19 is “over” my son, your son and 75, 000+ others who were loved will still be gone.
My those of us suffering loss find support and love.
May my son, your son and all the others Rest In Peace.
I am so sorry for your loss. Please ignore the comments of those keyboard warrior trolls. They just like to stir the pot.
As a parent of a 13 year old boy my heart breaks for all of you. Children don’t understand their emotions or how to handle them. I have been in situations you can never imagine. It’s not easy, alot of therapy has gone into it and still does. The way you speak of your son, seems alot like the way mine acts, especially with fortnite, breaking controllers and monitors. Just know Hayden knew how much you all loved him. Stress and emotions sometimes are uncontrollable and our mind can make it worse.
Again I am so sorry for your loss, words can never fathom what you are always going to feel. Sending love and prayers 🙏
Hayden’s parents failed him.
Shame on you
You need to sit down and shut up …Can’t say anything ,then just stay quite and let this family grieve.
Wow just wow this is not the parents fault. Mental health is what this is a this whole covid 19 has taken a toll on alot of all ages
I agree shame on them heartless asshole really let the parents grieve over their child it has nothi g to do with the parents covid19 has made alot of people kill themself ur so heartless why would u even say shit like that wow some people are so heartless what if that was one of ur kids for real get a grip shut up if u cant say something nice that father is hurtting and seems like a great dad with alot of love for his son ur pathedic
Are you kidding me? Every sucessful suicide I’ve ever encountered, there were no obvious warning signs. I work in mental health and I’ve lost count. If you can’t say anything nice you shouldn’t say anything at all. They are hurting and feeling responsible. I assure you, they are not. He sounds like a great father.
You are scum
Mental health is real. This covid stuff hasn’t helped anyone. Wake up it’s not the Fathers fault he did the best he could raising his child. There is no warning sometimes in stuff like this.
You’re a fucking scum bag
Fuck
You
Ok so there may have been other issues they never saw or realized but this covid 19 shit is dramatic on kids their life has changed drastically and look how adults are annoyed with this stay at home shit and everything else really people you don’t think it affects kids get a god dam grip on life they have feelings also for gods sake they can’t even be with friends and really with out this bullshit technology now a days what would they do think about it it’s time for Americans to stand the hell up and get our life back this is all bullshit
I dont think he wants to 🙂 Let the family grieve!!! Stop doing what’s your doing and leave them alone
Ignorance is bliss.. leave grieving parents alone..unless you have lost a child to death ,you have no damn clue…move on !!! You say alot but know nothing….
Imagine being such a scum you have to say someone’s parents failed their kid after he just took his own life. They failed him ? Because Hayden didn’t want to upset his mother and father because the game got the best of him. Keep your negative thoughts to yourself. Let the family grief alone. Don’t need your negative feedback asshole !
Wow. Keep your nasty comments to yourself. Imagine if you were in a position of loss and grief (of any kind) and some rude, nasty stranger tried placing blame and judgement on you… Find something else to do with your time. CLEARLY this dad was very involved in his child’s life, and is just trying to shed light on mental health and remembrance on his son. Shame on you.
I’ve thought about suicide several times since I’ve been isolated. You have no clue. No one failed him except the corruption behind covid-19
Rachel. Please know that you matter and please reach out for help. Call the suicide hotline or many states are offering a hotline for free MH.
Moran
Wow, you can’t even spell “moron.” Who is the moron now? This is a tragedy, leave your negativity at home.
Fuck offf, sir.
Evil thing to say.
You’re an asshole.
You probably don’t even have kid . It’s easy to assume what you think a good parent should be if you never been thru it. Ignorant prick I hope you eat your fuckin words. Your parents failed YOU. Clearly! Raising such a low life piece of shit , Shame on them & you dick head.
Derek A No Hayden’s parents didn’t fail him. YOUR parents failed YOU!!!
Completely agree. The father has, anyway.
Ur pathedic get a life they didnt fail him they didnt know so shut the hell up u heartless bastard..cant be u ever lost a child why dnt u walk in their shoes before u judge them.. you make me sick to say something like that after they lost a 12 yr old son..
Im soooo very sorry for your lose. I can only imagine how hard this is for all of you. Be strong for your daughte . May God rest Hayden sou .
Prayers to you and your family.
❤🙏❤
This is very sad. Listening to this there are underlying difficulties, social distancing may be one. When kids play fortnite and video games as much as this dad says his son was and the child was an excellent player – then he was already social distanced before COVID-19. He threw his controller and it hit the monitor before COVID-19. This father’s story leaves much to be analysed with what was taking place before and during COVID-19. Children need guidance from a parent and a child needs to be guided away from video games. Video games are a cause in itself of being social distanced. Yes a tragic death but I question if COVID-19 caused his death.
Are you seriously judging this father who just lost his son and pointing fingers toward him??? You have some nerve. How about if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all? Have you ever heard that before? Keep your rude and insensitive comments to yourself. How would you feel if you lost a child and someone said the things you’re saying??? Despicable.
Jayee is not judging the father. She/he is making an observation of the child’s behavior prior to the onset of the virus.
I thought that there was an issue with breaking that monitor twice. That was no accident. I’m sure a lot of things contributed, including the isolation, but sadly he seemed to have a hard time controlling his temper.
This story is very tragic and I feel horrible for this family. I am not making light in any way of his sadness or grief. I just don’t feel that isolation due to COVID 19 is the cause for this boy killing himself. This is a tragic death; however, not one that COVID 19 is responsible for.
I definitely agree. I am so sorry for ur loss I can’t even imagine. ur pain .God Bless u and ur family
You clearly know nothing about depression. Or tact, or kindness, or when to keep your mouth shut. Shame on you.
My thoughts too, that there is more to this than Covid-19 or if the current situation had anything to do with it. But didn’t want to be insensitive towards this family. This is a difficult time for us all and I am trying to pay attention to how it is impacting my kids (13 and 11) too. But as you said this appears to be an extreme obsession with the game and devistation, anger and depression with the thought of not having it. Other factors combined with that and you get what they call the perfect (not perfect) storm for suicide. Young man got caught in a moment. So sad, but as you sad, not likely associated with this pandemic.
This is bullshit! I have been isolated for the last 5 months and am now coming out of self harm and depression. Isolation brought me into it, and video games helped me out. I met new people, I talked it out, and I got better. I am 13 years old. Our emotions are wild right now, not to mention the crippling weight the isolation crushes us with. When we have a negative emotion, it cuts deeper now since we have nowhere to go to express it. Unless you know what you are talking about, stop talking
Completely agree.👍🏻
This is so devastating on so many levels…what a beautiful soul. Taken too soon – “Only the Good Die Young”. Rest peacefully sweet Hayden🙏🏼. Thank you for sharing your story. I tend to forget how fragile life is.
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t even begin to imagine your pain and loss.
I do believe the birds in the background of this video were a sign from your son. Especially, when you began to talk about needing strength while trying to save him, They became louder. He will always be with you.
That bird in the background IS YOUR SON telling you that he is right there with you! God Bless you Sir.
“Finding myself to exist in the world, I believe I shall, in some shape or other, always exist.”
– Benjamin Franklin
Ok so you all have missed the point. How is the dad now? I hope he is staying strong and knowing that he as a beautiful young daughter that needs to dance with him at her wedding day someday. Stay strong I know what you are feeling feels like no other. Just remember she needs you.
I lost my sister-in-law to a split second decision also. One I also know that she regretted but couldn’t change. My family was living with my in-laws when it happened and my mother-in-law and I found her. It was the worst day of my life. And still I can’t think of it without feelings of sadness and grief, and it has been 4 years. I’m so sorry for your loss. And I pray that better decisions can be made to protect our kids during this time also.
Lots of issues with the story. He says day 2 of his sons death then later on he says after multiple days they were blah blah blah. Which is it 2 days ago or a week and a half ago? Another issue his 8 year old daughter was told to go outside and wait for the cops. Who tells an 8 year to go outside alone? I’m willing to bet that phone call was longer then 25 min and he probably told the kids not to bother him on the phone. Military dad probably very strict. If the kid had issues he was gonna kill himself one way or another. I doubt he did it because of a broken monitor. If so that leads me back to a super strict dad that he was afraid of.
Yes losing a child that way is probably unbelievably hard, but this video comes off more as a dad trying to prove to himself he did everything he could more then a PSA.
SORRY just telling it lime i see it. Suicide is for the weak. This is a rough world if you can’t handle getti f knocked down once in a while and fighting to get back up you won’t last.
You are an asshole and I pray u never have to go through what this parent is feeling. If u should have the unfortunate fate that u do I hope u remember this cold and hearless response and I hope it burns your soul everytime u do.
You’re a complete asshole. 1. Did you even listen to the beginning saying “Day two since I buried my son” (FYI you don’t put someone to rest right after it happens. You have to put together a funeral.) 2. His daughter did a very amazing thing going to get more help. He was about to COLLAPSE !! The help that his DAUGHTER got, took over and helped. Mental illness is a serious thing. So many people struggle with it. Some people think that is the only way out. HE WAS 12! And you’re sitting here behind a screen saying that a 12 year old should deal with something that not even a grown adult can do. I hope you NEVER have to be in the situation this family has to go through. This world is a shitty place and you definitely aren’t helping which is why it’ll never get better.
Also, in the country, yes, it is absolutely For an 8 year old to go out alone in the yard, or to a neighbor’s house. Even younger. Give the guys a break.
you really need to shut up.
Leave him alone.. he was a great father and he just lost his son.. god can you guys be any fucking meaner. Rude.
He says 2 days after burial!
have you lost your mind???? this dad is grieving because he just lost his son who hung himself due to depression from being socially isolated during this corona virus. and for your information, he stated that it has been 2 days since he BURIED HIS SON and a week and a half WHEN HE HUNG HIMSELF. i cant even imagine the pain he and his family are going through right now. and most people would be devastated if this happened to someone in their family so you should think twice about what you are saying. maybe you should consider and/or think about what you are saying because this is straight up rude and disrespectful. this is the last thing this family needs to be hearing right now and i cant believe you even have the nerve to say these ugly things….i’m sure it probably makes you feel cool or better about yourself for some crazy reason but you are an asshole.
You must have never experienced any real grief in your life to say that suicide is for the weak. People feel things differently and to feel so bad that the only way out or to stop their pain is by taking their own life is real pain to the person carrying it. You have no right to judge someone else’s feelings and how they feel it.
I don’t condone suicide and I’d never consider it for myself because I find it to be a selfish act but I lost someone very close to me and I actually understood the feeling of wanting that pain to stop. Made me empathize with people who commit suicide even if I thought their reason was not valid. In their eyes it was.
He was a child. A CHILD….you are a monster!
Um he clearly said day 2 after burial of son. Obviously u didn’t pay attention. N I would send my kid in a heart beat to the front door n wait for the cops. 8 years old is old enough to be in the front yard much less at the door open waiting on the cops. I would not want my other children seeing or watching while their sibling was laying their lifeless. Do u have any idea how mentally that can screw up a kid. I do!!! U can tell Uve NEVER have lost someone close to u under such tragic events. Suicide is for the weak???? He’s fucking 12 years old. U are so inconsiderate n have absolutely no heart… at that age kids are full of emotions n have a hard time understanding it… n to go thru what the whole world is going thru on top of whatever else he was dealing with… didn’t your momma teach you if you have nothing nice to say keep your mouth shut. This father is grieving and is trying to reach out telling others what he went thru to help prevent someone else. It’s a shame their are people like you. I’m in complete disgust at your comment
2 days after the BURIAL of his son, not 2 days since he had passed. I guess a father trying bring his lifeless son back to life would tell an 8 year to go flag down the cops for help!!! I guess in that moment he should have been thinking perfectly clear?? He had went over emergency routines with his whole family…. his 8 year old remembered what her father had taught her!!! That’s why she went and got both neighbors for help!!! And you insinuating the child did this because he was afraid of his strict army dad is just absolutely ASININE!! Possibly in the heat of the moment he felt like he had really messed up by lashing out in anger and breaking another monitor… I’m sure he felt ashamed of himself, yes he probably had a fear consequences (we all have those!! They are a must to raise a responsible productive adult) , and he probably new that he would not be getting another monitor so he felt like he really messed up…. worth taking his life? NOOOOO but he was obviously struggling with how to deal with those emotions he was overwhelmed with at the time. Some opinions can be kept to yourself you know?? Stop being so insensitive and STFU
Captain Obvious, you’re a dick. SORRY just telling it like I see it.
Can we somehow erase Capt obvious’ comment so this poor family doesn’t see it? I’m so sorry for this poor family. I can’t imagine the pain. I hope and pray they can find peace at some point and hopefully not blame themselves. This breaks my heart. Will be praying.
Captain Obvious How dare you talk about a child in that manner calling him weak did you personally know him? I don’t think that could have been any more cold blooded than how you worded your opinion. It is your opinion you are correct but opinions are like assholes everyone has one and you sir are the perfect definition of an asshole. This father will never see his son again could you even begin to imagine what he is going through? I doubt it because unless you walked in his shoes you have not a clue. That is the problem with this world there is so much hate and discontent that we are no longer the United States of America We are now the Divided States of America.
Captain not so obvious as someone who worked in public safety in another life he did exactly as the 911 TC-EMD would have told him to with the 8yo To have them at the front waiting for the first responders. She did amazing by remembering what he taught her about getting the neighbors like he taught his kids last fall as CPR is one of the most strenuous things for anyone to do. Most people only do a few cycles and switch off its not something people do properly for hours on end. Ime even impressed he has an AED at home.
He WAS A CHILD.
You’re an ignorant human being. You don’t even deserve a response. Karma will take care of you.
You are so selfish and unaware to someone’s loss . To wish karma on this family , your selfish words mean and cruel statements only make others look at what you wrote to be ignorant . Who raised you to have that mentality. This is a man bleeding from his heart over the loss of a child.
Shame on you . Be careful what your evil mind wishes for , because what he went through does not discriminate anyone.
Are you kidding me?? He says two days after BURYING his son. Which could well be a week or even more since the death. The rest of your incredibly insensitive comment I could not get through. obviously you’ve never lost someone close to you let alone a 12 year old child. I hope you don’t even have children how your mind works. Let this man grieve.
Suicide is for the weak? You need to do some research before making such a ridiculous statement. This boy was isolated from his friends, from school, from doing anything except playing on his XBox , his only outlet. Just because he was good at it doesn’t mean that’s all he did. I see nothing wrong to send his 8 year old outside to wait for the cops while he was giving CPR to his son or sending her to get the neighbors.
This boy was looking forward to his 13th birthday, it’s a very important birthday for kids, turning to teenage hood. The lockdown prevented him from having a party and celebrating with his friends. Frustration made him break his monitor. Mental health affects each person differently and most of the time those committing suicide react at the spur of the moment without analyzing the consequences.
He couldnt have been that strict that he gave him another one whether he had to work for it or not, children get very attached to these games. Without anywhere else to go this was life. As a teacher I know of students with low attendance because they stay up addicted to playing these games and cant get up in the morning, or making excuses as to why they cant go to school to stay home and play the game.
The ones that are free from wrong doing throw the first rock.
I Pray that no one close to you ever commit suicide; I use to think like you that only the weak do that until I lost my brother. Let me tell you losing the incentive of life is probably the most painful thing some may experience. God protect your love ones.
People like you, are a huge portion of what is wrong in this world. You are a judger. And kindness amd compassion obviously doesn’t come natural to you. “Suicide is for the weak”. What if you ever struggled with mental health so badly that you contemplated it? Or are you to ignorant to imagine how someone could feel that way. Be glad you’ve never experienced lows like that. Because if you had, you would have compassion especially for a child who cannot completely make sense of the things happening around him or going on in his mind. How dare you call him weak. How can you expect a child to just “be a man and deal with it”. Why assume and judge things about the father when you don’t know. Youre clearly an interest troll who has nothing better to do because you’re so bitter and bored with your own life. Bitterness is for the weak bud. Go get the help YOU need.
Thank you for sharing this. Makes us all realize how pity some of our complaints are and how beautiful yet fragile life is. I don’t have any children but have a niece and nephew who I adore. You can see and feel the pain in your voice, but I love the good memories you have of him. Please be there for your daughter and wife and know your son is in God’s house watching over you. May he rest in peace!
Oh, sweet sweet Hayden♥️My heart is breaking for your family.♥️ My only child, Carter, just turned 14 on April 28th and he has had many broken controls, 1 monitor, few holes on the wall, etc. You guys get so fired up with these games!! I wish you would not have felt the need to take the step you did….God must have needed another Angel..watching over your family…. Carter lost his best friend Parker to Cancer at 13 yrs old. He is up there with you and loved Fortnite too… sending all my love to all that loved you while your time on this earth was short.. Parents: this could be anyone! Talk to your kids, I’m going to talk to mine!!
Carol-you’re a complete and total dumb ass low life. You deserve all the negative energy that being thrown your way on here.
To the family-I am so sorry for your terrible loss. Mental health has always been an underserved medical issue, and this pandemic is only making it worse. I hope you find some healing along your journey <3
So heartbreaking to hear of this tragically.
I’m am so very sorry.
My heart goes out to you and your entire family.
God bless Hayden 💔
My son turned 12 just last month during Covid19 and is a 6 th grader, only child, lives in country secluded, no cousins his age or nearby, and went from playing in 3 basketball leagues and occasionally played Xbox if he had time to now no longer playing. Xbox, dieting , over exercising, losing 214 lbs, OCD about any changes, to having tantrums, blowing up at little things, bawling for hours, is an emotional disaster and has terrible body images now since into week 2 after school was out March 12th. It’s hard to get counseling help because no office visits and their booked out 4-6 weeks. My husband and I are unable to reason with our son and unsure what to do! Our lives are forever changed from a happy straight A athletic son to someone we barely recognize in a matter time of 5-6 weeks.
I am not sure where you live, but there is a plethora of therapists volunteering to provide counseling at no cost via telehealth/teletherapy (ie: HIPPA compliant face time and other virtual platforms). If you do not have internet access, contact your local service provider because they are supposed to be supplying it, also at no cost. If these are not options, there are specific phone lines where your son can connect with a mental health professional to provide the help and support that he, and your family as a whole, needs. Please feel free to respond or reach out to me so I can help connect you all with services. Wishing you all safety and wellness.
I am very sorry for what your family is going through. My son is also heavy and hashigh functioning autism . Sooo I know a little bit about intractable kids , lol. Try to take donns the pressure off for him he sounds a bit depressed and stressed out. Maybe a planed cheat day for his exercising & diet. Also perhaps a low maintenance pet for company like a cat or turtle my son liked his . It’s a really tough time and you’re right to be worried but do try some humor with him my boy liked corny jokes . Or whatever can get a chuckle out of him also he is just the right age to go on tic-toc. With his family,of course. But the whole site is built around silliness. You’re his folks and know him best to help his moods improve. Hope this is helpful please keep trying it gets better.
Please do not suggest that any child, even with the monitoring of parents, use Tic Toc considering its one of the most dangerous apps to have, according to police departments around the country. It’s a Chinese-based company and there have been multiple recent reports of all your personal information from Tic Toc now being in the hands of the Chinese government so it’s a security breach. Please. Anything else but Tic Toc.
I’m so sorry for your loss! ☹️ My best friend loss her son the same way and now your just trying to find answers why or a closure. Your story is the same as hers. Stay positive and stay strong
Thank you for sharing. I am so sorry for your loss, I have been sobbing just listening and watching this… But everyone needs to know this is real and how it can effect our kiddos!!! May God bless you and your family.
So so sorry for your loss ♥️🙏♥️ Thank you for sharing💙 So heartbreaking to watch but well worth it to be aware of things like this happening💔 A teary video for sure!! Thoughts and prayers for Hayden and his family ♥️🙏♥️🙏♥️ Definitely sharing💙Fly high Hayden and watch over your family now ♥️
While this is horribly tragic and heartbreaking, I feel like there was something else going on beyond just the social distancing from the virus. All of these video games are changing kids’ brains – they are addicted. I hope someday they study it because I think there is a definite link between mental health and excessive use of video games – children’s brains are still developing – how can that exposure to fast lights and violence be healthy? Praying for this family and all families that are affected by suicide.
Wtf is wrong with u that I would feel the need to phyco anyalize this situation? Like seriously just say sorry just say something encouraging but to sit here and analyze the situation nobody needs that from u, a stranger. The dad obviously in pin is already running everything thru his head he needs people
To stand by him during this time! Not o your son died bc if video games like wtf!!
God Bless the family. Prayers for your peace and comfort, Covid thank Dr faucie he started this mess, Carol u ain’t rt u must be a demonrat
I wasn’t sure about watching this because I could almost already feel this mans pain but it was absolutely beautiful. His words, his energy, his story- everything. RIP Hayden. Your soul is still shining and simmering throughout many hearts. Thanks for being so bold and sharing. <3
Prayers for the family of God’s new angel forGod to mend their broken hearts give them the strength they need to go on until they meet again
My heart breaks for this family. My brother took his own life 7 years ago today. He was not a child. I can’t fathom the pain and anguish your family is enduring. I will add you to my daily prayer list and pray that you, your wife and daughter can cherish the wonderful memories of Hayden and that in some small way those joyful memories will sustain you through this tragic time. God Bless you and thank you for sharing your tragedy. It may just help someone else avoid this terrible, awful outcome. xo
So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. Rest In Peace 🙏🙏🙏🙏
So touched by your courage to share Hayden’s story. Through your message he will be sending a Lamp of Light to the world. Your whole family is in our thoughts and prayers.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your son Hayden! I know and understand suicide so well unfortunately. If your family ever needs a listening ear, please reach out. Hugs and prayers for you all. The second year will be harder than the first. I think that is because shock wears of and reality truly sets in. This is a loss you will never get over. Remember to be gentle on yourselves and don’t let your loss come between you all. You will never be the same again. You will learn to live with your loss, to laugh again, you’ll learn to focus on Hayden’s legacy instead of his being gone. You will learn who the knew you is. The main thing that helps me most is that I do things in my Christopher’s honor. For example when school starts I adopt a teenager to buy school clothes for that wears Gothic clothes who couldn’t otherwise afford them. I also buy book bags and fill them. There is always a lot of agencies to help kids here but not teens. I do the same at various holidays and just because when it’s laid on my heart. May God bless you through your journey. Your not in this alone.
God bless you and your family sir. I watched every minute of your eloquent words. Hayden had and will make a difference- you touched my family by sharing your experience. Peace , strength, continued courage ❤️
Thank you for sharing. I have 3 sons, 1 that is a senior in high school and experiencing sadness I have never seen from him. Another who has struggled with this himself who lost a group of friends switching Universities and just joined a Fraternity at his new school. Was so excited for the social activities to come and then Covid 19. He had already suffered the suicide of a classmate in high school, and now just lost a classmate and teammate to suicide at the Air Force Academy. And the forced isolation they put on them. (2 actually committed suicide within days of eachother at the Air Force Academy)
I pray for you and pray that your candor opens the eyes of those in charge of our lockdown. Isolation is a killer no doubt.
God Bless You
That is beautiful!##
I believe your son was so broken up to tell you that he broke his second computer screen. I do not believe it was the governments fault for this. Sure.. maybe if he had been in school he could have been doing other things. Somewhere there was more anger and punishment that came from the father about this situation. I know I would have been very angry. If it makes you take this devastating loss to blame Covid19 and the government then okay. But it is not the fault of others… there is more to this home-life than is being told!!
You need to delete this ignorant comment.
Have you ever suffered from depression or known someone who has depression? People are good at hiding it. People can be fine until they’re alone and taken out of their normal daily routine. Children are not good at expressing emotion so I’m sure he was suffering from something going on in his head that he wasn’t being open about. This kid could have been contemplating it for a while and it only takes one small little thing to tip the scale of life or taking your own. This isn’t the time to make assumptions about a parent you know nothing about. No, I don’t agree that the government should be blamed in this at all. I think the dad should have spoken more to the fact of the connection between isolation and the effects in has on ourselves as humans and just educating people but we can’t pass judgment toward him as a parent.
You’re a horrible human Carol.
FUCK YOU CAROL !!!
What an ignorant, uneducated comment. No one cares about your opinion Carol. Go F#ck yourself you horrible human being. I made an account just so I can post a reply to you. Hope you never have to go through what this family is going through.
I only made an account too so I could comment. Some people just disgust me
Right there with you. Iv lost both my children. Apparently that bitch has never been thru the hell of losing ur babies. I’d like to punch her!!!
He just lost his son and you have the audacity to even comment this? Some things are better left unsaid, and you should be ashamed to not even keep an opinion like that to yourself not knowing how any of them are feeling, and with what they’re all going through!
First of all I would like say yes this is a horrible horrible tragedy. And being a parent myself I couldn’t fathom how he is feeling. I’m sure he is full on many feelings. Pain, regret, confusion, disbelief.
The fact is this pandemic is hard on alot of people. We are by nature social beings. We also fight for life. Some people think depression is just feeling sad or upset about minuscule things or even major things. Yes with depression you do feel sad but it’s not something you can control and it’s not something that can be taken away with money or gifts or unlimited amounts of hugs and kisses. And that is the misconception. Depression is in fact a chemical imbalance or lack of certain chemical properties. I also believe their was more going on and believing there was more to the story that doesn’t take away the sympathy one feels. Most kids don’t go around breaking things like that out of anger. And apparently he wasnt nice to his sister. There was something going on. And that behavior doesn’t mean it was because of the parents. Sometimes it is and sometimes it isn’t. The fact is he definitely had something going on undiagnosed. And being a parent of multiple children and with the stress off day to day like or just day to day life in general you dont always pick up on things. But a mentally healthy child doesn’t comit suicide for something like that. There millions of kids all over the world sleeping on dirt grounds, with no bed and dont know the feeling of a full belly or their mothers love and fight for life. I know alot of people that never got a gift or even their birthday aknoledged. I’m just saying this isn’t covid fault. Is it covid fault that we have rough days feel, stress or upset and so on? Yes of course alot of ppl are having a hard time. But they don’t contemplate taking their life. They dream and fantasize about going on a great vacation or something. I see alot of personal attack on here that are just plain ugly. And honestly not everyone has a way with words or knows how to Express theirselves the best way. I myself have a hard time expressing my thoughts. I know what I want to say but when it comes to expressing myself I’m sure to mess up. I doubt anyone ment to offend anyone.
I understand you.
I understand you on this. There is something more. I wouldn’t leave as is or blame this illusion ofCOVID19.
Are you stupid or something ?
Wow Carol just what a grieving family needs your disgusting comments you should hang your head in shame after you apologize to this heart broken man and his family
Carol. How on earth can you possibly think that your judgemental comment to this grieving family would EVER be considered helpful?? Please re read your post. You have absolutely Zero idea about this family’s home life. Suicide can happen to anyone, anyone, and that I believe is what truly scares you. So just STOP trying to find a “reason”. I’m truly embarrassed by your ignorant comment.
Your a cunt
I am so sorry for your lost. I could understand what you’re going through, because my best friend’s son, who just started a job as an EMT in NYC, committed suicide a couple of weeks ago. He was like a nephew to me, and it still breaks my heart everytime I think of my friend kissing her son. No one will ever know the pain of losing a child, except those who have. God rest his soul, and remember you now have an angel watching over you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Hayden looked and sounded like an amazing child. I agree that this must be so hard on our children. I pray for the health and happiness of all.
I am a mother who lost her child 20 years ago on 4/22/2000 to pot in glioma, an inoperable brain tumor of the brain stem. He was 7 years 8 months and 18 days old.
I can say for me you never get over it but it is different as time goes by. In the beginning your consumed with grief as the days, weeks and years pass the wonderful memories you have take over instead of the grief.
I will keep Hayden and your family in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Prayers to a healing planet and all it’s people!
God Bless!
my son left this world the same way at the young age of 15 he would have turned 19 on may 5th im still hurt like it was yesterday ur story brought back all those memories n feelings my heart goes out to you an ur family
Prayers to you and your family. Being a suicide lost survivor I feel your pain. I won’t say it will get easier because it doesn’t but what helped me was educating people. Suicide is not just that persons struggles it should be everyones struggle. I do believe even know you can’t touch, hug, kiss, praise, encourage and many more he is right by your side just look for the signs. God Bless
So sorry for your loss, RIP Hayden
I am so sorry for your loss. Heart wrenching. That’s something you just never know and will never figure it out. I feel like crying….
I sat in the garage reading this balling my eyes out. My heart breaks for you all. I could see my son going down the same path, so I left my job yesterday to stay home with him until this is over. Bless you all keeping you in my thoughts, thank you for sharing the honest truth of what this pandemic is doing to our lives.
I kkow your pain my son was 37 years old left this world 3 years ago the same way. Was not from corona virus but the same social isolation of his own kind . Agree that this has been harder on the kids more than we think. I had my 9 uear old grandson run up to me crying saying i dont want you to die. The fear itself and the social isolation has been too much
God bless your family.
I am sorry for your loss, may you continue to speak on his kindness and what he loved . May God continue to strengthen you and your family.. You have my deepest sympathy and condolence…
Easier said than done, especially if you’ve never been on the journey of losing a child. God saves all our tears and I’m sure there is more than one bottle of mine, but I also know “ that to be absent from the body, means to be present with the Lord.” So twelve years later my tears are less, but I still cry. Nice story, but I know my son and this mans son was in God’s presence immediately after death. Praise God we will see our children again. Prayers for this family.
Our government’s reaction to covid-19 it’s causing more harm than the disease, millions of children and Families just like this man being affected. If you watch this story and understand please pass it on we need to stand up and speak out this needs to stop.
Sorry for your loss, sending prayers
* tidal wave. Just a suggestion: instead of vague summaries, and a “here, watch this video”, perhaps flesh out the story a bit, for those of us trying to quietly and unobtrusively READ articles instead of watching videos. I mean, by all means, link the video, but actual journalism is sometimes appreciated as well.
Prayers to Hayden’s family & friends. Thank you to his dad for having the courage to share this. I will definitely be sharing this with my 3 boys & sharing it on fb. FLY HIGH HAYDEN.
Omg this broke my heart so bad for this family may he rip
Thank you for this, Christine! This is such a tragic story. Were are honored to have the opportunity to share this family’s story with our readers in hopes it motivates us all to be aware, present and hug each other a little tighter.