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Family and Friends Mourn 14-Year-Old Suicide VictimCongress working to address national epidemic of teen suicideRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - Katrina Marie Bryant was described as just one of the girls. “She loved soccer,” said long-time friend Malia Russell. “She loved going to church with her aunt.” Mary Sosnowski giggled and added how much her best friend loved to eat. Russell and Sosnowski are just two of Bryant’s friends mourning her death. The 14-year-old committed suicide on January 18. Friday, her friends came together to remember the girl they called “everyone’s friend.” “It will never be the same without her,” said Russell. The West High freshman’s death is part of a national epidemic that lawmakers are trying to fight in Washington D.C. “In the country the rate of suicide was 11.5 suicides per 100,000 people,” said Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski. “[In] Alaska we are looking at double that.” Murkowski, with the help of other U.S. Senators, introduced a bill last week to help improve mental health services for young people in an effort to prevent teen suicide. The Garrett Lee Smith Memorial Act Reauthorization would make counseling more accessible for at-risk teens and promote development for early intervention and prevention strategies. “The sad thing about it is there is no turning back once you make that decision,” said parent Teresa Zimmer. Those who knew Byrant celebrated her life at Chugach Optional, where she attended elementary school. They hugged, cried and reminisced. “She always had fun wherever she went,” said Russell. “And she could make a sad story, or moment, become funny again, or just happy and not make you feel bad about anything.” Now, her friends, classmates and peers are struggling to understand why their friend, like so many other young Alaskans gave up on life. |
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MewMew said on Sunday, Mar 17 at 4:15 PM
I agree with TedtheBear. I'm a teenager myself and I have friends who knew this girl. A girl wouldn't just kill herself because of something she could hide that easily. There's more to every story that meets the eye. The blame isn't on the parents as far as everyone's concerned. We don't know what really happened, only those in the family and Katrina knows what went on. But for the sake of emotions, some things are best left unsaid.
116294391mj said on Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:13 PM
Thank you for this news story. It was well done and informative.
113565841MJ said on Thursday, Feb 14 at 11:06 PM
I do believe that this young lady had a serious concussion earlier in the year from soccer. Could this have had an affect on her decision making ability?
113565511JM said on Sunday, Feb 3 at 6:57 PM
@Chris F.. I knew Kristina as far back as Kindergarten. I totally agree with what you wrote. Kristina was loved by many. She always seemed happy and was one of the first to help others. There definitely was an underlying problem that she did not share with her family and/or peers. It's a tragic event that has effected many.
112810506Just Saying said on Friday, Feb 1 at 3:36 PM
For those that think there is nothing to do outdoors because of the winter, you're just lazy, we take our children dogs to parks for sledding and just playing in the snow. I'm not going to say parents aren't doing their job and not listening or missing thing s that they should know, because I went through that with one of my daughters, she threatend to commit suicide, when I spoke to her she, it ended up being over a boy at school, But she was always all smiles at home everyone that knew her could not believe that she ever felt that way, there were no signs, she played with the other kids, she hung out with friends, she wanted to come along to the store with me, she was never just in her room, so no there aren't always signs, we have an open relationship so I don't know what made her keep that part in. I hope kids are just taught to be open to feel that the door is always open and that teachers make time for them, sometimes the "come back later" from parent/teachers isn't good enough
112698322TedtheBear said on Friday, Feb 1 at 9:31 AM
Lynnette, when do we become busybodies into lives of others. If the parents, who should know their child the best missed all the signs, do you really want strangers taking over? Parental responsibility is exactly what it is. What your child is, does, do is the responsibility of the parents. Buck stop with them. Its not matter of blame. It is matter of responsibility and accountability. It sad for the parents to face this reality.
112674706Harriet said on Thursday, Jan 31 at 9:37 PM
Double the suicide rate in Alaska than the rest of the country, could it be that their are not much activities in our community that are FREE are reasonable that could entertain out teens and younger? Alaska residents are stuck indoors for at least 7 months of the year, with not much to do to entertain our young. We as a state, need to invest in our future generation, and keep our kids entertained and stimulated, in a safe environment. Let's QUIT filling our government officials back pockets, and put it to work to build a healthy community.
112641106Lynnette said on Thursday, Jan 31 at 9:01 PM
Again, TedtheBear, if you care about kids and suicide, quit placing blame and get involved. Where were you when Katrina was "sending out signs for help"? Or, the boy who lives down the street from you, for that matter. There are kids all over our city and state "sending out signs for help"? There are parents who need support as they do their best with their children and teens who are hurting for whatever reason. There are people dealing with grief and pain from a variety of sources. If this story disturbs you, it is your call to get involved and perhaps help prevent the next suicide. It will take a community to change our drastic statistics, and you can choose to be a part of the solution or a part of the problem. Each of us can. May your sense of concern be embodied in sincere acts of compassion.
112640171Chris F said on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 10:08 PM
Alyssa, I'm really not sure bullying was what made Katrina kill herself. I was her classmate in 7th grade, and she was always happy. She was loved by all and no one ever picked on her. She had a huge friend base, was a good soccer player, and a great person. So while there may have been stuff going on that none of us know about, the reason why she killed herself may not be as apparent as one might think it would be. My deepest sympathies to the Bryants, I am honored to have know such a wonderful person.
112570611TedtheBear said on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 3:42 PM
Lynnette, when a grown up commits suicide, it own them. But when a child does it, it on the parents. There is no way you can evade parental responsbility of this nature. It sound cruel and judgmental but a child don't do herself in without sending out signs for help.
112553966Lynnette said on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 10:04 AM
TedtheBear, do you realize how brutal it is to place blame on this girl's parents and friends? Of course there were reasons, but don't assume you know them. Do you realize that friends and family of those who commit suicide can be at risk for suicide themselves, particularly when they are blamed? Unfortunately, even with the best information and following the best suicide prevention practices, there are no guarantees, and sometimes the interventions needed are not available. This family has unbelievable courage to face the issue head-on, not hide the suicide and instead to use Katrina's death as an opportunity to promote better availability of mental heath services for at-risk kids and broader awareness of suicide in general. If you care about kids and suicide, stop blaming and get involved!
112530501TedtheBear said on Wednesday, Jan 30 at 5:04 AM
The article doesn't explain anything. And there is always a reason for anyone to commit suicide. A child or adult, it really don't matter on that issue.
112507271bill said on Tuesday, Jan 29 at 7:01 PM
stop looking at the reasonand look at the children and whats in there etes if you look deep enough you can see the pain and hurt then its up to you to reach out and help the silent crys we all seam to miss
112486921Alyssa said on Tuesday, Jan 29 at 2:10 PM
Maybe the government should get involved in our school districts to prevent bullying!
112469852TedtheBear said on Tuesday, Jan 29 at 9:50 AM
This sounds like a badly underwritten article. When a child commit suicide, the parents and friends were not looking hard enough. Sad story but there is more to this, eh?
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