We had a local weatherman take his own life yesterday.

Thirty-nine years old and really loved by the viewers.

He was witty, entertaining and a cutie.

The whole city/community is shocked and saddened.

It's strange how you don't really "know" a person, yet they are "in" your home day after day and they become a part of your daily routine.

He and his family have been on my mind all day.

Thirteen years as our weatherman. He will be missed.

Just needed to vent that.



John Winter

(Move if needed)

You are right Petunia very sad! Everyone needs to, if they can to take the time to know people.

[(JD)]

(((hugs))) Sorry Petunia. I know you are more affected by this than normal, struggling yourself lately.

I think it's good though, to remind us... that even one small, nice comment might be all someone needs to keep going...

even if we don't know them... and with email these days... it's sooooo convenient! (and e-cards and all..)

Let's all try to do better to reach out; I know I will.

It's so sad to see the staff trying to get through the broadcast without crying. Some haven't made it. They're too choked up and others have to jump in for them.

I guess the outpouring of calls and emails to the station are overwhelming.

Thanks for letting me vent this. I wanted to yesterday but I didn't think it would matter to anyone.

[Christina86]

((((((((((Petunia)))))))))))) if it matters to you, it matters to everyone else. Even if we didnt know him.

((((( Christina )))))

Your words touched my heart.

I am struggling _Sky. Thanks for noticing.

(((( Muffy ))))

[Christina86]

((((((((Petunia)))))))))))

Take care of you. It must be so shocking to have that happen, I have no idea. His poor family and coworkers and viewers.

[Wants2Fly]

It is very sad. Depression is an insidious disease, and it kills.

(((((((((((((((Petunia))))))))))))))))))))

[Juliana]

((((Petunia))))) What a sad loss. Depression can be such a vicious disease. I can understand why this is getting to you. You got used to seeing his smiling face on your tv everyday and you got to know about his personality, etc. He was a real person and now he's gone. That is terribly sad.

I lost my uncle to suicide last summer and I'm still struggling with that.

He was on the morning news smiling away--then by 3:30 P.M. he was gone.

And yes, Depression is a beast.

Thank you all for responding. I guess I was a little surprised at my reaction and chalked it up to things going on in my life, but it really is affecting everyone.

((( Wants2Fly )))

((( Juliana )))

Edited to add

I just went on their website where they have a guestbook you can sign with a message of condolence. There are 7,200 siggys already.

[Fuzzybear]

I'm so sorry Petunia

(((((((((((((( Petunia )))))))))))))))

It's just so shocking.

[Juliana]

It is shocking... especially when someone SEEMS like a happy person. My best friend's dad committed suicide when we were in 11th grade. That was shocking. He seemed like such a happy guy. His nickname was actually "Jovial Jock." I guess we just never know what's going on inside someone's mind.

[SeptemberMorn]

I'm so sorry {{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Pet}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} It sure can be a shocker even if we don't know the person on a personal level.

[bebop]

((((MyPet))) I do understand that feeling.

(( Pet ))

We must be neighbors.

I didn't know John Winter from TV because I rarely watch any TV, but I did watch today after hearing this. Today they were talking about what a great sense of humor he had and his infectious laugh. So sad that no one knew of his pain.

He was just a couple of weeks short of his 40th birthday...

I've recently read about men and depression; that they hide it well and that their symtoms can be very different that women's. I hope this opens up dialogues and helps others suffering in silence.

ECHOES

It's so nice of all of you to respond and understand.

[EJ711]

Hi Petunia,

We have an excellent weatherman in Kansas. He feels like family to me. I would be devastated if he was suddenly gone for whatever reason.

Suicide always leaves so many unanswered questions, which makes the grief felt more complex.

Thanks for sharing.

Hugs,

EJ

Thank you EJ. I keep telling myself it's silly to be so upset over someone I didn't even know.

He was such a nice guy. Only 39. Married two years.

He was on Oprah before as one of her "most eligible bachelors."

Your support really helps me feel that it's ok to feel sad.

[EJ711]

Petunia,

I also think part of your shock, and other viewers as well, is that he looked so vibrant and happy. Also with Oprah's endorsement, it would all seem to say he had everything to live for.

When I'm going through hard times, I know I like to think someone else is doing well, and I hold dear to a little of their happiness and success.

Petunia, I'm sorry for your loss. He was your "friend". His vibrance shown into your life, and made it richer.

((((Petunia))))

Hugs and love,

EJ

[bipolar_bear]

((((((((((((((((((((((((Petunia)))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Sabrina]

It isn't silly at all to be upset over someone you don't know. (((Petunia))) I am so sorry - I feel for him, and his family. And I feel for you!

[Bethsway]

so sorry for your and your communities loss!!!