I first learned about Sky King's story through this Reddit post. Somehow, despite spending a lot of time online—especially on Reddit—I had never come across it before. It felt strange, almost surreal, that such a significant event had completely flown under my radar (no pun intended). But once I read about Richard and listened to his final words, his story stuck with me in a way I couldn't shake.
As a father of five, it breaks my heart to think about any of my children feeling so lost, so hopeless, that they'd consider something like this. I know firsthand what it's like to struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts—it's a battle I've faced for much of my life. The pain, the isolation, the feeling that nobody would truly understand—it's a weight that too many carry in silence.
That's why I created this site.
I wanted to ensure Richard Russell's story is not forgotten, but more importantly, I wanted it to serve as a catalyst for awareness about men's mental health. It's devastating that anyone has to suffer with mental health struggles, but it's even more alarming when you consider that men die by suicide nearly four times more often than women. This isn't just a statistic—it's a crisis.
Richard's story, though tragic, can be a powerful force for good. If his legacy can help even one person seek help, if it can encourage one conversation that saves a life, then it matters.
If you're struggling, please know: you are not alone. We have a dedicated Resources Page with organizations that can help. And if you want to be a part of the change, you can visit our Donations Page to support non-profits that provide life-saving mental health services.
Nobody deserves to feel like death is their only option.
💙 You are not alone. There is always hope. There is always help.