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June 18, 2021 started out the same as every other morning.  We woke up, got the kids up for school, said "I love you" and out the door to work.  Something seemed off that day though.  Zackery was not answering his phone or text messages and this was not like him.  

Once we were able to track his location, instantly we were on the road.  I will never forget receiving the phone call and hearing the devastating news that Zack had taken his own life.  We pulled over to the side of the road and Kasandra collapsed in the ditch.  We sat there for quite awhile not sure what to do or how to do it.  We knew that we needed to do something, so we continued to drive towards Zack.  We met with the RCMP and were given the particulars as to what had happened and given his belongings.

We wanted to continue driving to go see Zack, and were in contact with the funeral home where he was taken, but as it was late at night and given the circumstances, were not able to see him.  We knew that there was nothing we could do for Zack and came home to be with our daughter.  That night was very rough to say the least.  In the few weeks that followed, we were overwhelmed with emotion and decisions that we never thought we would ever have to make.  Our close friends and family were there for us and helped to get us through in whatever ways they could... whether it was a shoulder to cry on, a meal to be eaten, or someone simply to sit with in silence. 

Losing Zack has impacted so many people, from BMX, dance, hockey, school, work, and the community in general.  Moving forward, without Zack has been a struggle, but a struggle that we are dealing with the best that we can.  We have our good days, and we have our bad days.  But talking about him and reminiscing in the memories helps to keep the memory of Zack alive.  

Suicide is something that is too often dismissed and swept under the rug.  There has always been a taboo around talking about it.  But that NEEDS TO STOP.  Mental Health is a very real thing and far too many people are affected by it.  

There is support out there.  There are people that are willing to listen.  There are people that are going through similar things.  DO NOT be ashamed or embarrassed to seek help.