This is a major bummer. I was calling the number he posted every hour since I saw the original post and checking local news sites from his area to see if anything popped up. When I saw a notice in the obit section this morning I was saddened.

I am slightly pissed off, because suicide is a very selfish and short sighted action. Most people who take their own lives don't understand the amount of pain they are inflicting on those people around them. Those people who have been touched by their presence in some way, whether they be family, friends or acquaintances.

I, like some of you, did not know Hacker very well. I did have several interactions with him over my time on these forums, and because of that, he was a part of my life, however small that part might have been. As such, I will always have a small sliver of my life that is now empty, never to be filled again because each person is unique and irreplaceable.

It is my genuine hope that we do not forget this young man, whose life was brought to an end by a culmination of unfortunate circumstances. Suicides can often be forgotten and looked back on rather harshly by those who have survived the loss of that person. I have seen it personally due to my own father having taken his life.

Perhaps in this holiday season we can all take some time to reach out to those who look down on their luck, even if it is just a smile and a friendly hello. Often strangers can have a much bigger impact on those in dire circumstances than loved ones or close friends. Much more of our own beings are built upon the opinions of others than we might like to believe. Every act of kindness and compassion is important and well worth it in terms of making this world a better place.

I have made a donation in memory of Hacker to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. If anyone else would like to, here is the link: https://www.afsp.org/

I hope you find peace and content wherever your soul travels, Hacker. You will not be forgotten.