Deadly taboo: Youth suicide an epidemic that many in Utah prefer to ignore

Blake Eggett, 17, flute soloist, Riverton High marching band, died Oct. 28, 2005.

Martika Bate, 15, honor roll student, East High School, died Jan. 27, 2006.

The number of elderly people who take their own lives is still higher than the number of teenagers who do so, but the rate has stayed about the same since 1960, said Dr. Doug Gray, a University of Utah child psychiatrist and expert in teen suicide. Meanwhile, the youth suicide rate here has doubled, tripled and looks like it will quadruple.

"It's one thing to consider an 85-year-old person who suicides because of medical problems," Gray said. "We think of that in a very different way than when a cute 16-year-old girl hangs herself in the basement."

"It is a significant health problem among adolescents, and that's something that has a significant impact on our community," said Todd Grey, Utah's chief medical examiner.

Indeed, a Deseret Morning News investigation into this sensitive issue found suicide among teenagers causes profound repercussions in the families, schools and communities where they occur.

"It's been the toughest thing in my life," said Kerry Bate, whose granddaughter, Martika, was living with him when she took her life in January. Luckily, Bate said, he and his wife are raising three other grandchildren. The little ones are a blessing, he says.

"It gives us a reason to go on; otherwise, it would be really hard to face the future."

Bate knew nothing of his granddaughter's intention.

Neither did George and Darla Serassio of Riverton until a family member found their son in the garage, slumped behind the wheel of his red Camaro and dead from carbon monoxide poisoning.

Mike and Sherilyn Sowell of Moab knew about their daughter's depression and had searched in state and out for the perfect blend of medication, support and therapy that would help. They did not find it before their daughter hanged herself in the closet of the family's home.

"We find this happening in our homes for very different reasons, under very different circumstances," Huntsman said. "What we need to do as a community is put our arms around these kids and ask why."

Research shows many more Utah young people than one might guess are hovering on the brink of the decision made by Sierra, Blake and Martika.

• One in six students had seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, according to a Youth Risk Behavior Survey conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

• One in eight students had made a plan to commit suicide in the past 12 months, according to the same survey.
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