An 11-year-old boy committed suicide in his home in Sandgerdi, southwest Iceland, on Friday evening. The entire town is grief-stricken and a team of specialists has been called out to help them cope with the shock.
Today a memorial service was held at the local elementary school today which parents were asked to attend along with their children. A moment of prayer was held yesterday, visir.is reports.
The boy had been unwell for a long time and attempted suicide on earlier occasions. “There are many factors. He was bullied and has fought mental illnesses and depression. There is no one cause. We must be careful about making judgment calls,” said local Rev. Sigurdur Grétar Sigurdsson.
The most important thing is to stick together and try to stop such events from happening again, Sigurdsson added. “Many people feel bad and experience guilt and they have to be cared for as well.”
He also has a message for others who might be in the boy’s position. “We must never give up on life […] because while we are alive there is hope. It may seem distant but there is always hope. We must never give up on seeking help and talk to someone whom we trust. Carry on, that’s the way towards life.”
ESA
