Supporting youth after a suicide

People gather for a candlelight vigil at the Dzantik'i Heeni campus on the evening of Sept. 1, 2026, after two teenagers were found dead in nearby woods the previous day. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Independent)

By Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson, Aaron Surma and Jorden Nigro

Our community recently experienced the preventable tragedy of the suicides of two teenagers. Teenagers who were loved, and still felt alone enough to take their own lives. It didn’t have to be this way. We cannot undo what is done, but we can support each other and our community through the loss, grief, and tremendous sense of confusion, anger, and hurt that we are left with when those we love take their own lives. Young people in our community are particularly vulnerable in the wake of these deaths and we want to provide some information that may be helpful if you are wondering what to say (and what not to say) during these heartbreaking times. 

First of all, if you are a trusted adult in the life of a child, teen, or young adult, thank you. Research repeatedly shows that one trusted adult can make the difference in a young person’s life. Healthy Alaskans 2030 lists having three or more trusted adults as vital for the health and well-being of an adolescent. As of October 2025, only 45% of youth met this criterion. We can do better. As a trusted adult you have the gift of being in a position to support youth who are hurting and have so many questions right now. As you talk with them, please remind them that this tragedy did not need to happen, suicide is never the answer, life can be hard and they are not alone. Encourage them to reach out if they are struggling and to tell their friends to do the same. Let them know that if a friend confides in them that they are thinking of killing themselves, this is not their burden to carry, they must tell an adult. This can be especially hard for teens, they want to keep each other’s secrets, it’s a natural part of child development to pull away from adults and start making decisions and choices on their own. But it’s important to let them know that you appreciate that and still — this is not the time to keep a secret. This is a time for community and support and no one person can carry that alone, regardless of age. 

It’s important not to use terms like “they are at peace now” and “there is nothing that could have been done.” Suicide is not the answer to creating peace in our lives and there is always something that could have been done to prevent a suicide. When teens are struggling, the last message we want them to get is that suicide is the solution to ending that struggle. 

Connection is the antidote to isolation. Connection to culture, connection to family, connection to community. Youth need to be seen and valued for who they are. They need to know without a doubt that they are loved and no matter how hard things feel they are not alone. This work is the responsibility of every one of us in this town. You may not be a parent, grandparent, auntie, or uncle. You may not be a teacher or a counselor or a youth advocate. But you are a member of this community and the mark of a healthy community is how we treat our children. This is sacred work and it takes all of us. Our community has suffered a tragedy that never should have happened, and the fact is it could very well happen again if these coming weeks and months are not navigated in an intentional and mindful way by adults. We know we can navigate our collective grief because we know Juneau is a special place and we know you are as heartbroken as we are about the senseless deaths of two of our precious teens. 

So please, listen to young people. Their emotions are big and real and not to be belittled or not taken seriously. A cry for attention is a cry for help and deserves your action and your tenderness. Young people are filled with complex and brilliant thoughts, and if they come to you with their fears and their worries — have the courage to be there and show up with your whole heart. There is nothing more important — not today — not any day. 

The following resources are available:

– 988 is available 24/7 to call or text if you need someone to talk to. 

– NAMI Signs of Suicide presentation, open to the public, Thursday, Sept. 17, 5-6:30 p.m. at Floyd Dryden. 

– Contact NAMI Juneau if you want help navigating mental health resources in Juneau. 907-463-4251 or namijuneau@gmail.com 

– juneaumentalhealth.org lists all of the mental health resources in Juneau. 

– JAMHI Health & Wellness has 24/7 crisis therapists available. 907-463-3303. https://www.jamhihealthandwellness.org/services/24-7-emergency-service 

– Bartlett Regional Hospital and Capital City Fire/Rescue’s mobile crisis team is available 9 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days/week. It is dispatched via 911. 

– Tlingit and Haida Community and Behavioral Services Healing Center: 907-463-7305

– Zach Gordon Youth Center for connection, community and support. 396 Whittier St. 907-586-2635

– Shéiyi X̱aat Hít Runaway and Homeless Youth Shelter: 9290 Hurlock Ave., 907-364-7481 

• Chalyee Éesh Richard Peterson is the president of the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska. Aaron Surma is the executive director of NAMI Juneau. Jorden Nigro is the youth services director for the City and Borough of Juneau.