Mental Health Kills
Ellie Soutter
died by suicide on July 25, 2018, at
11: 15 PM
18 years-old
She was a rising star in British snowboarding, winning a bronze medal at the 2017 European Youth Olympic Winter Festival and earning a reputation as a force to be reckoned with. But beneath her success, she carried a burden few could see. On her 18th birthday in July 2018, she took her own life. Her father later spoke about the immense pressure to perform and the financial strain that contributed to her struggles, highlighting the harsh realities many young athletes silently endure.
Jeremy Wisten
died by suicide on October 24, 2020, time of death unknown
18 years-old
He was a promising young player in Manchester City's academy, but when he was released, he struggled to process what had happened. Football was all he had ever known—it shaped his identity and consumed his life. Lost and without direction, he took his own life in October 2020 at just 18 years old. His tragic death shed light on a silent epidemic—one that continues to steal the futures of young athletes who lack the mental health support they need, both during their careers and in their transition out of sports.
Katie Meyer
died by suicide on March 1, 2022, at 10: 45 AM
22 years-old
She was the captain and goalkeeper of Stanford University's women's soccer team—a leader on the field, respected by teammates and coaches, and admired across campus for her joyful spirit. But in March 2022, at just 22 years old, she took her own life. Her tragic passing shed light on the immense pressures student-athletes face, balancing the demands of both sports and academics, often in silence. Her story serves as a reminder of the urgent need for better mental health support in athletics.
Emily Gold
died by suicide on September 13
at 11.52 PM
17 years- old
At just 17 years old, Emily Gold, a talented cheerleader from California, had recently performed with her high school team on NBC’s America’s Got Talent, earning praise from the judges. On the surface, she appeared to be thriving, but behind the scenes, she was battling struggles no one could see. In September 2024, she took her own life. Her tragic passing shed light on the hidden mental health challenges young student-athletes face, proving that success on the outside doesn’t always reflect the battles within.
