Bryce Gowdy (aged 17) took his life on December 30, 2019 by walking in front of a freign train. Struggling with mental health issues, financial issues within his immediate family, being homeless, compounded with being the oldest child who felt for his mother and 2 brothers as he was set to to go to college on a football scholarship at Georgia Tech, life was to say the least-overwhelming.
It is not atypical for the eldest child to be an empath. Eldest children tend to be mature and protective.
“He was a little stressed having the weight of the world on his shoulders by going [to a Division I school], and having to leave his two younger brothers and his family in an unstable environment,” Thomas Gowdy said. The family had financial struggles, Thomas Gowdy said, and it was rough for Bryce growing up.
Lichtenstein, A., & Baitinger, B. (2019, December 31). Deerfield Beach star wide receiver Bryce Gowdy dies. Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/highschool/football/broward/fl-sp-hs-gowdy-death-20191230-znxrefi4xvfu3jc7v4jz4vab6e-story.html
The Sunday before his death, Gowdy’s mother, Shibbon, noted her son acted strangely. He was talking fast, asking questions about, needing assurance that her and his siblings will be ok when he left for college. She sent Bryce to the car to get a blanket and he never returned. His body was found near the train tracks in the wee hours.
After his death, Shibbon went live and posted an emotional video about Bryce. She said he talked about ‘signs and symbols all over the place. Watch her moving video below:
You will never be forgotten, Bryce.
A scholarship fund has been set up in Bryce’s name. Please consider donating to the Believe in 7 Scholarship Fund in Memory of Bryce Gowden.
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE: 1-800-273-8255