Sad News Fellas
General Topic
I just deceived news that Jason Hairston owner of Kuiu has died. Reports are that it was suicide.
Terrible news! I pray for comfort for his family.
You better have your facts strait before posting this!!!
http://texags.com/forums/34/topics/2974536/1
Received word from someone that was good friends with him and said it was true.
Oh my goodness, absolute loss for words. I hope it isn’t true
So sad . It’s true just talked to my good buddy. Makes me want to puke !!
NO! That's tough to believe, very hard to believe, so tragic in so many ways.
Hunter I hesitated to post this for an hour but I kept hearing from others that were close to the situation. I just hurt for the family. That young boy that just went on his dads sheep hunt is going to carry this for ever.
Oh man that’s so horrible and sad to hear
Wow...Had heard the rumors, but couldn't believe it. So sad for the family. You never know what is inside someone's head.
Trial no one knows what goes on in others' minds. Always thought he was living the life. Man that hurts. Feel so bad for the families in these situations. Ya hurling is about the right feeling.
Oh my.... that’s really sad
Loss for words. So tragic.
Brutal, tragic and just plain sad news!
Prayers sent.
Putting this here since we never know who around us is hurting but are really good at smiling through the pain.
1-800-273-8255. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. 1-800-273-8255
I feel for his family. Especially his kids.
Who knows what demons someone wrestles with internally?
But... WTF?!?!?!
How do you come to the conclusion that that was a life that wasn't worth living?
Like others said; His poor kids will carry this forever. That's really tragic.
Total shock ! Prayers for his soul and his family.
Very sad news for everyone involved!
Unbelievable. Prayers for his family.
There’s a tv show coming out this fall called a million little things about 4 close friends/couples and one commits suicide. They all say that they never saw a sign. The trouble with men is we hide that crap. How are you? Doing good is the response. I don’t say much to anyone about this but this hits home. For all my life I could not get enough of hunting, fishing and scuba diving. Most of my Carrier was working as a truck and equipment fleet mechanic. There were three years in a row when bad winters hit that I was working 7 days a week for three months straight. I started to notice being extremely tired and one day it felt like my life had run out of gas. I had just finished building our house working on it 7 days a week for two years after work. I am 5’11” and weighed 165. My joints hurt from toenails to my hair. Tons of tests and they said you need to go next door for an appt at the psch center. I walked and walked out. So I’ll cut this short as I can. Found out that I had sleep apnea and it had been 2-3 years since I had any REM sleep. I was also in extreme pain from a herniated disc. Both can cause depression. I spent 10-12 years of trying different meds and Drs. I finally got to the point where I started self medicating to try and feel a little better. There were nights when I thought I might not wake up tomorrow because of everything I had taken. Well meaning friends said you need a new hobby or go hunting. Fellas until you ever go through serious depression we will never understand. It’s like having broken a leg or having a Herniated disc and someone saying oh yeah I know how it is. My back hurts a lot. He might have been running on empty for a long time. We have lost a friend to hunters, a great innovator and a hunting machine. It is a wake up call to all of us that have friends. How are you really?
It always amazes me how some can be so selfish, mental illness does that to folks. I feel very bad for his family, they are scared for life.
Wow! Very sad.
DL... brother, you make many valid points in your last post. Men innately hide things.
I'm blown away by this. I didn't know the man but feel a connection. Very sad day indeed.
RIP... A person must really have demons in his head to do that to his family.
Read on another forum it is a rumor...
I just met him at the SCI show in Vegas not long ago. He was a man about business for sure. Sad news!
Alot of what DL says rings true for me. Lots of back pain and sleepless nights due to 2 herniated disks. Going to see the doctor on the 6th about sleep apnea. Wife says I stop breathing and then make a huge gasp. The lack of sleep is something that can really screw with your brain.
All that said, a guy in his position, hard to wrap your head around not asking for help. If not for yourself at least for your kids. Certainly am not judging at all. I really feel for the guy and his family. Funny how you never even know the guy, know nothing at all but still feel like you do because of all the internet presence.
Very sad to hear. Man... Amazing how some challenges are never visible from the outside...
confirmed on kuiu's instagram
Wow, what a tragedy. Prayers go out to his family.
The brain responds to physical , emotional , and chemical stimuli . It’s just too complicated to explain in a simple way when these 3 things lose their balance . I’m pretty sure wonderful loving people can have a short circuit in their brain causing unbelievable tragedy.
Very sad....prayers for his family!
Thoughts and prayers to his family as they deal with such a traumatic loss.
Terrible news..... So sorry for his family, friends and the hunting community.
I knew Jason when we both were living in Boise, Idaho. This was before Jason started Sitka. He use to ask me if I thought high tech hunting clothes would sell. I told him no. We sure wore out the boot leather hunting around Boise. Damn, I can't believe this. Rest in Peace Jason Jack Croom
Awful news. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and loved ones.
I wear this on my wrist everyday. Love each other and know you always have brothers here and elsewhere that care about you know matter who you are. We lost a good one today. I’m beyond words. Prayers for his family, friends, and God speed from Kuiu nation.
Such a sad day... The world looks at you and see's everything, but you feel nothing.
Prayers for the family and friends.
I don't know the man but it sounds like alot of folks did. Sad news for many and the family.
I don't know how accurate this article is but it says he passed while on a hunting trip. It supposedly came out within the hour.
"" The hunting world has been rocked by news that KUIU founder Jason Hairston has tragically passed while on a remote mountain hunt.
The exact details of the tragic event have not been released, but KUIU_Official on Instagram has confirmed the rumours.
As more news unfolds, we will update the article.
Our thoughts go out to Jason's family. ""
Mental illness is something that the average person doesn’t understand unless you’ve been around it. The sad part isn’t so much the life that was lost, it’s the wreckage caused in the aftermath. Family and friends are never the same again. Sad news.
So sad and needless. My sister killed herself while the only one home was her minor son.
I learned that you DO NOT want to know what they thought or be where they were.......or you are in a very bad place no one wants to be.
I hope his son does as well coping as my sister's son.............
I hope Jason finds some peace in his personal solution but damn..........just don't. Reach out. Kick and scream. Get help. No one wants this.
A neighbor, close friend, hunting buddy committed suicide a number of years ago. He and I had just spent several days hunting pheasants. I had no clue what so ever. It was terrible for his wife two young daughters and friends. I think of him often. Some things just don’t make sense.
Like everyone else, I'm shocked.
Very sad and terrible for the family he left behind.
Some people who have been struggling with depression for a long time become very good at hiding it. They struggle to live one day at a time with suicide always in the back of their mind. Problems and/or personal issues that come up at certain times can cause an instant mood swing, from "sunny" and happy to falling into the depths of darkness and despair that overrides rational thinking.
RIP Mr. Hairston, my thoughts and prayers are with your family
Unreal. I talked to him last Sheep Show as he was manning the Kuiu booth. Despite being a celebrity in the world of mountain hunters he was gracious and genuine with his time, as so many in this community are. I saw the link as well that it happened while on a hunting trip. Regardless of the cause, it’s tragic nonetheless. He was a great ambassador for this sport and has done a lot for this industry. RIP, Jason.
I guess you have to walk a mile in someone’s shoes to comprehend what goes on in their head prayers and thoughts for the family Lewis
I once left for a hunt with the intention of not returning I lived with this shit for years even as a young child. It’s a horrible thing to go through and worse on the friends and family left behind my prayers go out to His friends and family.
Sad news for sure. He was a man I always wanted to meet. Prayers sent to for his family and healing for his soul.
Truly success alone doesn’t bring deep down, lasting satisfaction. What a tragedy....
Can anyone confirm that it was indeed a suicide? Again, not that it makes it any less terrible but I’d hate to be speculating or questioning what might drive someone to do this if it in fact wasn’t suicide.
That article seems to suggest he passed away on a hunting trip. There are definitely a lot of shocked and sad people with this news. Jason certainly touched a lot of lives. Beyond sad.
I'm also reading where he died in the Brooks Range instead of suicide.
Talking to a few in the know, sadly he didn't die on a mountain hunt. Prayers to the family and those close to him.
Such a sad deal! Depression is a terrible thing.
Sad....Prayers for his family.
Wow. I hope it wasn't suicide... tough world when depression gets a hold on you. Seems like the guy had the world by the tail..
Sad news as he was a great guy every time we spoke about hunting and family. Prayers to his family and friends... and I’ve heard the same as Nick.
I have a few close friends in his inner circle . No one can wrap there head around this. So sad.
Thanks guys for clearing that up.
I’m speechless. Succes in business obviously isn’t everything. Count your blessings.
Very sad to hear, he will be missed.
Everyone has their demons. You may never know what they are.
Bill Jordon changed hunting gear forever. Jason turned the the camo clothing industry on its ear. I know to many it’s overpriced but after wearing Sitka and Kuiu I’d never go back. The comfort and innovations he put in the clothing is great. Having knee pads in pants and waterproof material on the seat were brilliant upgrades. A candle burns brightest right before it goes out.
This just goes to show you whatever you may think of any individual, no one really knows what they live with every day. Mental illness in whatever form it presents is a true plague of mankind, one that has been overlooked for too long. I am quite sure his intent was not to hurt anyone, especially his family, that simply shows how powerful these illnesses are. Do your best not to judge, we're all too guilty of that. Now is the time for compassion and awareness, not criticism. Gods Speed! Kip
Well said Kip. Look out for each other, love each other, and build each other up. We’re all a lot more alike than we are different. Having a tough time with this one. I never met the man and only corresponded with him a couple times but can’t help but feel a tremendous loss in our community. So sad and tragic.
There’s no explaining it. That designer Kate Spade was worth 150-200 million.... and left behind a husband and 13 year old daughter......
God Bless Jason and his Family!
Well said William. I have had 2 suicides in my immediate family decades apart and I can tell you it is hell on the family! Many times you can never see it coming and also many times it is the people you would LEAST expect it from. I always said someone that takes their own life is CLEARLY not thinking rationally. And often you never really know what someone is going through emotionally.
God rest his soul and comfort his family and friends at this unbelievably horrific time!
Nice post by Jonathon Hart on Sitka Page...I can remember meeting both of them after Sitka had come out...RIP Jason!
No one ever knows who may need help. More importantly, we never really know who needs it.
It’s inconcievable to many, me included. Someone at the top of their game, everything within reach... then this. There are many battling this every single moment, every day.
There are so many unanswered questions about these events.
Such an inspiration to many.
Godspeed Jason
Terrible news. Jason I hope you find peace brother. I don't think anyone would understand until you're in that frame of mind and it can last years.
I did not know the man in question. But I deal with suicide on an almost daily basis as a counselor. I have lost several clients. With a few, I could see the signs. Most hid it well. Women seem to show it more than men. Fatal disease or extreme pain, usually produce recognizable signals. The most common cause and the one hardest to beat is deep depression and often, this one is extremely well hidden. The unfortunate thing is, the one thing the person never considers is the pain and sometimes feelings of guilt, they are going to leave behind. That said, I also know of some cases when it was a blessing. I know nothing about the situation in this case and am speaking just in general terms. Sadly, it is quite often a person who seemingly has it all going for them. It is not always the one "most likely". A few months ago, I was concentrating on one individual and "congratulating" myself with the progress another was making. Today, the one I was struggling with is doing fine and the other took an intentional overdose of Phentanyl. Sometimes you know...sometimes you never find out. But look for signs of depression and those may be very well hidden. It is easier to treat depression than death. In 1969, my mother took her own life. It took her three tries. That is when I first found out about depression and how severe it can be. I have been working as a volunteer counselor since 2007, dealing mostly with alcohol and drug cases. I have seen suicide in many forms, many economic classes and ages from 14 to 84. When you lose a beautiful, 14-year old girl and did not even have a clue she was at risk, that is one from which you don't just shrug and walk away. Always be alert for the three "D's"- Depression-Dependency-Despair. No matter how "healthy" you think your kids are, look behind the surface. What are they reading, watching, listening to and how do they dress? Does someone suddenly stop a regimen of personal hygiene? Does their dress style suddenly change? Do they suddenly crave an inordinate amount of sweets? Do they have bouts of unexplained crying? The list of danger signals is almost endless. And yet...some hide them all.
I have found only one true cure. A sincere relationship with Jesus Christ and belief that he will take your burden. Fortunately, I found that before I took the last bottle of pills.
Not knowing (or deserving to of course) any of the specifics, I'll just say I'm saddened and shaken by Jason's death. So young to lose all the things which are most precious. So terrible for his family to suffer his death and their painful loss. I'll pray for them.
I hate reading this sad news.
Prayers to his family.
Robb
Very sad news indeed. Tragic for the family left behind. Prayers to his family.
God bless him and keep him. Such sad news and so hard to understand.
Bowriter is correct....only one thing that can fill that VOID that everyone has.
Bowriter X 10. All, please read and reread his post. Especially the last paragraph. You owe it to those you love.
Very shocking & sad. Prayers for his family, friends & employees.
Social media frequently shows images of people “living the dream” but rarely shows the day to day an other struggles EVERYONE has.
So shocked by this. Praying for his family.
Lenny
Totally agre Kirk. The best thing that can happen to the corporate social media platform is that it crashes to the ground and burns. It’s nothing but a facade. There is a lesson to be learned from this Tragedy, though I am not sure I can bring myself to learn it.
Very sad news. We should all keep in mind that a lot of the things that we hold in importance in society don’t always provide a fulfillment.
Bowriter nailed it.
I'll be praying for the family.
Jason left a legacy with his accomplishments. And he left a mess for his family. It is tragic and will take a lot of healing.
So very sad for the family members left behind to try and deal with the toll taken and rebuild some assemblance of a normal life.
Prayers sent to the Hairston family.
Mark
See Brotsky’s wrist band above! Pray!
This is the ultimate tragedy and it is becoming very prevalent in our society. It is not only sad, it is damaging to us as a whole. This young man positively impacted thousands of us 'strangers', not to mention his whole family with his innovation and motivation in life. He was also subjected to evil, like we all are. But God gave us life. He gave us love. And he gave us Jesus Christ, to save us from evil, and ultimately, ourselves. Evil is all around us, and it slips in to our beings often unnoticed. We were placed here by God as a family, a 'church' in Christ's care. God gives us all the love we could possibly ask for, and then some, and gives us the option to put it to use. To share it. To help others every day, and be blessed, and then, to give him the credit, the glory, so he continues to shower us with more love. We see signs of evil every day, but how often do we offer up love as a solution? We usually scoff at it, or get angry at it and curse it. A 'jerk' pulls in front of us, we flip them off. Someone fails to be nice in a grocery store line, and is rude. Solution? Give them a smile, a wave, a nice gesture instead of a frown or bitchin out, a simple 'have a better day' instead. We owe it to our families, our neighbors, our fellow 'man' to pay back what God has entrusted us with - LOVE. When you see someone in 'trouble', lift them up with an act of kindness. It might just save a life. It might prolong a life long enough for this person to reconsider an act of self harm, and turn to a positive outcome instead. An act of kindness goes really far these days, esp. to someone who is not used to receiving one. We can never predict everything, but random acts are huge IMO. I recently heard this declaration: "Jesus paid a debt he didn't owe, because we owed a debt we couldn't pay". Jesus Christ already DIED FOR US ON THE CROSS. (What a horrible way to die if you just picture this). Give it all to him, your troubles, because it is ALREADY PAID FOR. Give in to love God gave us, and pass it on. Give out love that was given to us so freely. It will help someone that you didn't even know needs help, and it could help prevent a tragedy like this poor upstanding man and his family has suffered and passed bad feelings to the rest of us...his 'family' of God.. It is the solution. Praying for us all, and especially Jason and his family now.
Prayers for those affected
Shocked, saddened, and even angry. Suicide (if this is true) is not something that I understand. I've seen too many sick people fight so hard for life up to their last breaths. Regardless, it is a tragedy and my heart breaks for all his family and those close to him.
This is my favorite short hunting film of Jason and his father on a moose hunt. I am very saddened at your loss Mr. Hairston. No one should have to bury a child.
Amen Bowriter.
I can't imagine or comprehend. But prayers for the family and all involved. Tragic.
I’m going to post this again to keep it fresh. If you need help please call 1-800-273-TALK or text CNQR to 741-741. My better half takes these calls everyday. There are people who care, and there is always hope!
As an ex NFL player, traumatic brain injury must be suspected.
Jason was the definition of cool. He was manning the booth at DSC a few years back and I asked him, “Hey, aren’t you Jason?” I respected the fact that he wasn’t too good for the trade shows.
That Stone hunt he did with Donald Jr. was awesome. More importantly, I’m glad he got that California State Record Desert Bighorn. I hope that record stands for a long time.
RIP, prayers for his family
Bowriter and TrapperKayak, well written posts!
Thoughts and prayers to the family left behind that now has to deal with the loss of a Father and Husband.
So sorry to hear. Life is so special -- one wants to cling to for a long as possible. I am sure we will hear the rest of the story in the near future. God bless. Paul
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this sad time.
Included Jason's Family in my Morning Prayer, like other's, I'm shocked by this terrible news! I hope that somehow, he's roaming the Mountains in the Great Beyond.
I don't know the man from Adam but he greatly improved certain aspects of my life. Quite a gift. May God's peace which surpasses all understanding be with his family and loved ones.
Said a prayer for the family last night. My pops took his life when I was 12 years old. 16 years later and it's still something that weighs heavy on my mind from time to time. I can only hope and pray that Cash has the strength to forgive his father and move along in life. May God watch over the family during these times.
So many layers to unpack and reconcile. From afar, the duplicitous representation of social media. Achievement at the highest levels. Mental health, physical pain, and potentially CTE. Frankly, narcissism, committing the ultimate selfish act. The legacy, positives and negatives. On a most personal level, those poor kids. My heart aches. They have been inflicted a wound that will never fully heal. It is an incredibly difficult thing to go through.
Bowriter and TrapperKayak have it right.
Praying for his son.
Honestly yesterday was the first time I had ever heard his name. I am glad I am out of the loop with a lot of the "best gear" circles anymore. I just hunt and I am a bowhunter. However, I love my Lord and Savior and I will be praying for this man's family and especially his kids as they are the real victims who didn't deserve this pain. "Lord, I pray you lift this family up and give them a peace that surpasses all understanding. Lord I pray that good Christian men come alongside those kids and show them your amazing love. If it's your will Lord I pray for a miraculous healing and peace in all of them." Amen!
This news is crushing. We had been working with Jason for about a year developing a lightweight tripod for KUIU. He wanted nothing but the best to bring to the market place for a lightweight tripod. I have never met someone so passionate and his drive to bring the best products to his customers was unmatched. This news is absolutely crushing to hunting community!
May God take care of and nurture those that have tragically been left behind here.
This is very saddening. While I never knew him, his internet persona and commitment to the hunting community was top notch. He will be greatly missed. His gear and advice has certainly saved my hide on more than one trip, and made many more much more comfortable. Thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by this. I pray his family and friends are surrounded by support and comforted.
If this helps anyone, please check out my link from someone who is also intense about his impact to folks around the world.
“How do you come to the conclusion that that was a life that wasn't worth living?“
How about ANY life???
First mistake is assuming that self-destruction (in ANY form) is ever a rational choice in the first place.
I can’t explain it, and it’s none of my business to know, but MAN do you have to ache for friends and family...
No idea as to the situation, but pray his pain is at rest, he is at peace. Prayers and thoughts to the family. I can think of few things worse for a family to have to deal with. I pray they find the strength and comfort within them to forgive all.
Rest in Peace.
Has anyone seen any info on what actually happened?
Tragic loss. I have no idea what happened, but some are reporting an accidental (shooting), death, but most here on Bowsite are eluding to suicide. RIP.
However he lost his life, its sad, very sad....
Prayers for his children and family and friends.....
Right on Bowriter and Trapperkayak!
another reason pro football is doomed as it exists today. This was for sure related to his CTE. Horrible price to pay for a short career.
SO tragic....I'm so far removed from this guys life but it is still heart wrenching...
I echo and believe what Bowriter and Trapperkayak so eloquently wrote.....doesnt help those gone but certainly carries incredible and life saving hope for those struggling....
Continued prayers for Jasons family, those affected in the company he ran and all that loved him.
I knew of the brands, but not the man behind them. Prayers go out to his family and all those affected by this tragic loss.
So sad... My condolences to family...
Pyrannah - The article posted didn't say, but having a football career does anybody know if they're going to test for CTE?
""Tragic loss. I have no idea what happened, but some are reporting an accidental (shooting), death, but most here on Bowsite are eluding to suicide. RIP. ""
Ya...I was being a little cautious asking what transpired and did not want to assume anything keeping in mind family members could very well visit this thread.
His pain is over, and I pray he is sitting at hand of Jesus right now. I ache for the family and the horrible wreckage this will leave behind. Prayers for all of you that knew him, and as said above, a miraculous healing for his family!
God Bless,
Unfortunately life is very fragile, and for many reasons we all take it for granted. Tomorrow is never guaranteed to any of us. Just because someone has all the trappings of success does not mean they arent waging unseen wars.
There will be lots of speculation in the coming days and weeks as to why he would take his own life, but in the end all that matters is that he is gone. And while to many of us who were lucky enough to have met or known Jason we feel a personal loss here, to his family he was everything.
He touched many through his work, pictures, stories and such, and this is a loss that will still sting for some time. I only hope his family Is able to find some sort of peace and his employees are able to forge on and continue with his vision.
Michael
This occurred to me after finding out about Jason's CTE diagnosis. The CTE thing is pretty serious business for those affected, and I am hoping the sports industry can come up with some healthy solutions that can mostly prevent this kind of head trauma. In these cases, it is probably not even something any amount of kindness and love can help to prevent (although it probably can't hurt). This severe head trauma, the brain injuries and long lasting effects are most likely going to keep leading to loss of life no matter what, so preventative measures are the best cure here. The condition needs a whole lot more scientific research done. Meanwhile, maybe even some of his company's executives can develop some new lightweight state of the art head protection gear that could be used in sports to greatly limit the impact of the blows experienced by football players and other athletes. KUIU lightweight high impact helmets and pads maybe? That would be a great legacy for this fine man, his company's predecessors developing some new line of hi-tech gear to prevent the kinds of injuries he suffered from :)
Nothing is going to prevent CTE from happening at a lesser rate. Players are getting bigger, stronger, and faster. The prevention measures are being taken. But, what the brain does inside the skull can’t be prevented when so much force is exerted to it in the collisions that happen in modern football. It is what it is. Some are susceptible them others. But, the human body is not built for that. I’m not advocating against football at all. It’s just something that has to be considered. The reason old timers didn’t get hurt like this was a fast guy was light and ran a 4.8 40 yard dash. Now the 300 pound lineman run that fast. Backs are bigger, faster, etc....,
Trapper, I think that is the goal that Boston University is working towards, along with treating CTE. Future prevention is critical but there are 1,000's who also potentially currently suffer from CTE. It is impossible to diagnose until somehow is gone so it is hard to say. As I watched the football game last night I couldn't help but think of what these guys are doing to themselves. We learn more and more all the time about the dangers. As a parent I know I would be somewhat hesitant to let my son play football knowing what I know now about the risks.
I have a hard time understanding suicide. It seems like an incredibly selfish final act. It makes me feel anger towards the person who chose that way out. My wife's uncle killed himself and I watched it destroy his family. The people I feel bad for are the ones left to pick up the pieces.
I don’t want to hijack the thread, Trap, but “better” helmets won’t change a damn thing. Jason said it himself in one of the quotes I read earlier - his problems resulted from playing the game the way he was taught to play it. The better the helmets have gotten, the harder the hits have become. I don’t know, but I wonder if CTE is a Thing for former Rugby players and Aussie-Rules footballers who don’t wear helmets at all? Why don’t you hear about this among hockey players, who play 8 or 10 time as many games in a season and have MUCH longer careers?
Somebody said earlier that football as we know it is “doomed”.
No, it can be changed and made better; and if that means that the public no longer finds it interesting enough to watch, then Good Riddance. Football is welcome to go the way of making a public spectacle of throwing prisoners to the lions.
But there are hundreds or thousands (if not TENS of thousands) of young men who in fact ARE DOOMED, with not a damn thing that can be done about it.
This man’s life is a single spark floating above a raging bonfire of destruction. And God Bless all those who see it and move to put out the fire.
Jason didnt even play 2 full seasons at the highest level, however he did suffer a fractured vertebra and who knows how many concussions.
Crusader Dad, in this case I'm not sure he is totally aware or cognizant of the act he is taking. The mind is a crazy thing, and when it is damaged through CTE or other mental illness people don't think rationally. We call it a selfish act but to those who take that step some ultimately have very little control over their decision in the end. With CTE it may have made no difference how much someone was loved or whatever, their brain simply does not work correctly the way yours or mine might to help them understand the finality of that decision. CTE and mental illness are so misunderstood, maligned, and unstudied at this point. Suicide used to anger me as well until I spent more time around it and understanding some of the situation that led to it. It's not always that way and some are incredibly selfish acts, but many are not.
Michael, I firmly believe CTE is an issue in kids that never play past the high school level. It's just the fact that no one ever checks for it post mortem unless it is suspected as it is in athletes at the higher levels. If a high school linebacker turned factory worker kills himself at age 30 chances are no one is performing an autopsy to see if he suffered from CTE.
I watched my wife's niece's son, 8, and another kid playing Pop warner a couple weekends ago. both of them either fell hard on the back of his head or ran his helmet into another's head, and both got whacked pretty good. They were both visibly ' wobbly', and knocked for a loop in these hits. Just 8 yrs old! It was a preseason scrimmage tourney, an dthere were hundreds of players and spectators. The streets were packed for blocks with parked cars. the sport is the big ticket here, and starts out this young being so popular it will not be 'doomed' at time soon. But I guess you guys are right, there will be a lot of affected players down the road, with CTE, if this continues like this. I was fortunate that my father would not let me play football in HS> I thank him now, but at the time, I felt cheated. My father had this foresight, thanks, Dad! He took me hunting and fishing all fall instead. :)
Not wishing to hijack the thread either but I watched a interview about 7-8 years ago of several of at the time the NFL's best defensive players. They all agreed that the advances in helmets and padding has made foot ball a MUCH more dangerous sport as the players know the helmets and pads allow them to hit much harder without risk of immediate injury to themselves. My sons orthopedic MD is on a first name basis with the who's who of a great many professional sports players and has a standing invitation to watch games at the best seats in the house of the majority of the top teams in the NFL, MBA, and MLB. After my son sustained a utterly destroyed ACL that had to be replaced with a cadaver donor's ACR he flat out said the human body was NEVER meant to play football and the improvement in helmets has resulted in players sustaining so many concussions that the players are suffering brain damage very similar to "Shaken Baby Syndrome" My MD went on to say the helmets are great at protecting the outside/skull of the head but do NOTHING to protect the brain. In essence when the NFL players get hit their brains are literally rattling around violently with in the brain case. I agree if changes aren't made to some how address this the NFL is doomed to be litigated out of existence by former players suing the NFL for irreparable damage done to their brains from suffering countless hundreds of concussions while playing in the NFL. The fact that this country and our government and the medical community as a whole has by in large simply ignored the fact that mental illnesses such as depression are a HUGE problem in this country and the world as a whole, but will expend BILLION$$$ of tax payer monies on illegitimate children and countless other socialist entitlement programs and allow those that suffer from mental illness to basically fend for themselves is as heinous a national disgrace as exists in this countries history. I know a terrifying number of wonderful vibrant truly good people from the ages of teens to 55 who have taken their own lives because of depression. And no I don't bear them ill will as it has to be very difficult unimaginably difficult to take ones own life, as that tells me how terribly the must be suffering from what must seam to them an inescapable pain that only can be escaped from by death. I can not tell you how often my wife and I discuss depression and suicide with our children in an all out attempt to keep the lines of communication open and hope if almightly God forbid one of our children begin to spiral down to the depths of depression we will realize it and hopefully be able do something. I have these concerns because sever depression runs in mine and my wife's family and there is no doubt what so ever the stress of sever depression contributed to my wife's mother dying of a massive heart attack in her early 40's. Depression regardless of it's root case is far more common and pervasive in the world today than many either realize or are willing to accept as a fact.
One research was done on impacts. By the time a lineman ever reaches the NFL they have had 45,000 head impacts.
I think it is a terrible loss that highlights the fragility of life and how the choices we make can shorten it. I know Jason Hairston never thought that during his football playing days he could ultimately be shortening his life. That being said....if you spell this out now to many professional football players it is a risk they are willing to take. The problem with CTE is that guys like Jason or Junior Seau never were warned about what could happen as we were unaware of CTE or really didn't know how damaging this practice could be when they started playing football.
God Bless the Hairston family.
GF, it is an issue in hockey as well.
I read where he suspected he had some of the symptoms of CTE from his football days. Not sure if he tried to get help or if there is anything that could be done to prevent this outcome. Just sad all around.
I was watching the football game last night with my son. He is more of a football fan than I am at this point in my life, but I was as into it at his age as he is now. He was complaining about the new rules and the refs calling it very tight on the head to head contact and I sat him down to explain why they are tightening up on this in football.
I know the risks to my own son. He played tackle football since he was 6yrs old. I watched him suffer through two confirmed concussions and who knows how many times he got his bell rung but was able to shake it off and stay in the game. I could see his love for the game. His love for his teammates. Never once would I have ever considered taking that away from him. I thank God for all those saturdays and Friday nights with the crowds going wild. If I had it to do all over again I'd sign his permission slip right now.
How many thousands of football players have lived their lives productively after their playing days were over? We cannot use football as an excuse.
Unless he left a note you all are speculating as to why he did it. The only thing we know is he's gone and that's too bad. Prayers to his family.
Crusader- as to trying to understand suicide, dont. You arent going to. To the people who are truly suffering they dont necessarily see ending things as a way out for them, rather an end to the suffering of their families having to deal with their issues.
You are trying to rationalize an irrational act, and you cant. To them its not selfish at all.
As to your son, I'm glad he had fun. the day my brother was born at the same hospital we had a high school football player killed after breaking his neck during a tackle. Could he have been killed in a car accident or some other more common cause? Yup, but if he stuck with baseball he wouldnt have been killed playing football. I'm not going to argue with you over the bonding time, that's irreplaceable
Michael
Crusader, all I can say is I am glad my Dad was who he was, and you are your son's Dad instead. Mine cared about me, as you do your son, but mine did not take unnecessary chances when it came to comraderie, when the outcome would be very similar in another activity. I guess I could have been shot while hunting during football season, but the chances of an injury in football far outweigh the chances of injury during hunting seasons. He knew that. We had a great comraderie hunting. We both participated, he did not have to spectate and worry while doing so, that I'd be taken off in a stretcher.
Thousands and thousands who never played any sport at all commit suicide, the vast majority of victims. Rock stars, actors, successful businessmen, many you would think were happy and at the top of their game kill themselves, had nothing to do with football. Depression or guilt or whatever caused the suicide might be a symptom of CTE or occur at higher rates, I don't know, but it is by far not the sole cause of such issues. There are also thousands and thousands of people, maybe millions, who have played "violent" sports and go on to live very normal healthy lives. That it is a real and significant injury to some who've played violent sports, (and most at some point have such risks, not just football, boxing, MMA, etc. two of my worse lights out were playing baseball) Many will have head trauma in just their normal lives by fate and accident. But it is not the only, or even the leading cause of suicide by far.
I don't know the rates..... but I would seriously doubt football player rates were higher than military and some others. Dentists have a very high rate for whatever reason. Divorced men have a high rate. Drug/alcohol users. Emotional trauma would seem to be a large factor. Fact is it's as complicated an issue as any that exist.
Not trying to downplay the CTE issue. But I'm not going to say it's the main cause of suicide by any means. Someone told me once that life was the #1 cause of death......
Very sad event. My heart goes out to the Hairston family. May they find the peace they deserve.
My son just completed his 4 year journey in FBS football.The updated protocol for getting back on the field is very strenuous (cognitively).Kids are tested to an individualized baseline standard and are not let back on the field until the baseline reached post concussion.My son son cried like a baby when he felt just fine but could not score to his entry baseline for 6 attempts (one attempt per day).
Coaching,officiating,and equipment hopefully will help lower risk for all players.....it's a great game.
I lost my best friend and teammate to suicide.On hearing the news our high school coach who worked us like rented mules cried like baby at my office in disbelief.A man who was the toughest hombre we ever met and who demanded perfection from us long after we finished our playing days. 2 years later he shot himself....... The only answer I have is the Satan is so cunning and will cloak himself with despair and enter into ANYONES life and deceive us.
I don't need to see or hear of another to know that I must be vigilant and gird myself with HIS full armor.
Prayers for strength for his wife and kids in this time
My son played football in grade school then 3 years of high school. Wasn't my choice but the day he quit at the start of his senior year I was a happy dad.
My 2 grandsons age no 20 & 22 yr played football for 7 yrs in school. One broke his leg and was off 1 yr. Both got full rides for college based on their grades. Both were asked to play football in college and both had the common sense to say they were too busy to play football.
Over the weekend I asked the 20 yr old if playing football was a good idea. He said he enjoyed it but his knees hurt even now at this young age and only will get worse.
#1 group statically for suicide is middle-age white males.
That’s a decent chunk of this board. Ponder that one for a bit.
Just yesterday an article in a Denver news website saying Suicide is responsible for more teenager deaths than traffic accidents in Colorado. I'm really sad about the whole thing.
So many ills in society can be cured by a relationship with Jesus Christ. It really is that simple.
we have had 3 teen suicides here in our very small community. 2 high school boys and one 14 year old girl. I know the circumstances of 2 of them. 1 was someone who was being cyber bulleted and the other was due to his girlfriend leaving him.
Talk to your kids and get involved in their lives
It is a tragedy that this has happened for the hunting community. Prayers sent for his family.
Very sad news, my Condolences and Prayers for his family. John
Genesis, You are very accurate in that assessment! God Bless You Brother!
Football has nothing to do with this, and I am not discounting mental trauma, injuries or illness... I am talking about several generations of lost and misguided souls. It seems that there are many believers of Christ on the Bowsite, and I am very proud and thankful for my brothers in Christ! I truly believe that i would be dead and long gone if not for His sacrifice! I would plead and beg on my knees for all on here to seek that forgiveness, that comfort, that release from horrible sin, depression, addiction, fear, anger, whatever the weight you carry... just humble yourself before Christ and ask for that forgiveness and saving grace. It is so powerful, but yet so simple that you can not understand it until you experience it! it will free the slave, release the burden, forgive the unforgivable! His grace and forgiveness knows no bounds! His healing power can give sight to the blind and make the lame walk and the deaf to hear! Your burdens are nothing to Him, he can and will release you from the bondage that keeps you down! I also believe that modern medicine can help people that suffer from mental illness in so many ways, but you have to take the first step and seek that help, that assistance. REACH OUT! Or, Help those that need that help!
God Bless Brother!
Mark
Some great posts on here at just a tragic time. This news shook me to the core. I went through a very dark time in my life 8 years ago which included addictions, a self imposed divorce, and many thoughts of suicide. I found Jesus and He restored me and also my family. Celebrated 19 years of marriage last week. I am thankful for the hope we have in Him.
My Jason’s family find the peace that surpasses all understanding. God Bless them!
Attached is a link to an article in which Jason's wife commented on his battle with a degenerative brain disorder, presumably CTE. This may help some folks develop a greater understanding of Jason's condition.
Thanks Matt. So for all people in denial about this disorder, read Matt's link. Do a literature search online and watch the movie Concussion. I guarantee it will change the way you think of this.
There are a lot of men who played high school and college football at a time when we were taught to weaponize our helmets that should pay attention to issues such as these. Again, God's peace to Jason's family.
Absolutely shocking and tragic news.
For those of you who are struggling to understand suicide and suicidal thoughts, try to comprehend that it's not just something you make your mind up to change at an instant like your normal daily thoughts. The mind is broken/not functioning properly, just like any other part of the body. Just as you cant hop right out of bed in the midst of having a bad case of the flu and say, "I chose this illness to be gone right now," so too is the case with mental illness.
If you haven't suffered from it, then you probably cant understand or empathize with the person who has. One thing I've noted in my time in medicine, is how patients regularly say something to the effect of, "now I understand," or "I had no idea..." when explaining their understanding of a disease before and after suffering from it.
Ill feelings towards someone with mental illness is simply a lack of understanding and comprehension of what that person is suffering.
Ironically my sister in laws father killed himself last night. My sil found her dad dead from a self inflicted gunshot this morning.
I don't understand depression. I don't understand suicide. I try really hard not to judge others.
I can't help but feel anger when someone does this. They leave their mess for those who love them the most to clean up. I can't help but feel like my sister in laws dad abandoned his family. My sil will never be the same. She will never get that picture out of her head. She will never forget that she is the one responsible for cleaning his blood off the walls and floor. My five nephews and nieces now have one less grandpa. How can a man do that to his family????
My experience with suicide -- and it's a LOT, since I'm in healthcare -- is that it is quite complicated, and not a matter of accepting a god, or enjoying their families. Sure, I can think of some rare ones, which were truly selfish people with existential problems that they saw as unsolvable. But those are quite rare, and definitely NOT what Mr. Hairston dealt with, which was a degenerative brain disease.
I'm sorry that crusader's SIL had this put upon her. She didn't deserve it, and she may not recover from it soon, if ever.
I've pasted a link to Jordan Peterson's answer to a question about suicide. I've found Mr. Peterson to be very good at explaining things from his perspective as a clinical and experimental psychologist. It's a good start ... and, with YouTube, all you have to do is "thumbs up" it and you'll get more from him. A brilliant and caring person.
There are suicides I have felt like I could have prevented. Plural. It's something that I've spent a lot of time thinking about, and it never comes to a easy conclusion.
CTE is really interesting to me, and I hope to learn more. Fascinating that trauma can set into play a domino-effect of separation from reality that takes years to come into itself. I was skeptical (after all, good old hard-nosed football is what I grew up with, too) at first. I am no longer.
A friend told me one of his EOD brothers (who had been concussed multiple times in Afghanistan, and had CTE) just committed suicide. These aren't stand-up guys who just decide "F-it, I'm out" one day. Good men don't just decide they're done one day because of troubles of life. I'm convinced that CTE will give us an idea of how many other suicides develop -- how that last "domino" falls, and maybe some guesses as to what some other ways to get to the same point are.
Great post John. I don't think rational people can understand the mentality of most who commit suicide. It is often irrational and the exercise of trying to understand it is futile.
I feel very deeply for those who are left behind who have to put the pieces together following the suicide of a loved one. Based on my limited perspective, that is a burden no person should ever have to shoulder.
Great link Deertick. On the inflammatory and auto-immune components, Peterson did not say that he and his daughter Mikhaila both cured/ abated their (crippling) depression with diet. Fascinating and there is a ton on Youtube about both of their experiences. The Petersons are featured on more than a few Joe Rogan videos. Definitely worth the time.
I see this a lot in my line of work and it’s so very sad. It is something I can never rap my head around. RIP
I've learned a bunch reading this thread.
Thank You
It's national suicide prevention week this week. Please remember that if you or a loved one needs help please call 1-800-273-TALK or text CNQR to 741-741! There are people who care!
I have been so saddened by this. I did not know Jason, but certainly looked up to him. It is hard when you see someone that you put up on a pedestal do something like this. I had a real hard time at first wondering why someone in such a position would do something so horrible? But, as I learn more about depression and CTE it really occurs to me that it really wasnt Jason Hariston acting on his own...his brain wasnt right and unfortuneately manifested itself in this way. Jason changed hunting, he was an amazing person, and we are all better off for what he has done. We can only pray for his family and friends, as well as his company, and do our part to makesure Kuiu remains a thriving and viable business for years to come.
Wow...
Jason Hairston’s wife Kirstyn Hairston opened up about her former NFL player struggle with worsening symptoms related to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) just weeks before his suicide. | Fox News https://fxn.ws/2MffiwW
I met Jason back when they started Sitka and were at their first or second ATA show. I am heartbroken for his family and close friends.
I just took my annual Suicide Prevention training for work(I work at a VA Hospital)
In the training they discussed several key issues: 1) people who have suicidal thoughts- they only last minutes to hours. If they can get past those few hrs without taking their life, they will usually "make it" 2) 90% of suicide survivors do not make a 2nd attempt 3)Do NOT be afraid to ask someone "Are you thinking about suicide?" (talking about suicide will not increase the likelihood of causing an attempt- just the opposite- talking about it will decrease the risk) 4)having a family or being successful or having other things to live for does NOT reduce the likelihood of attempting suicide 5)Veterans(and those who have access to/experience with firearms) have a higher likelihood of using weapons to commit suicide
I came across this powerful video while looking for something to share with friends and family. PLEASE watch it! It has valuable insight that could help if you have friends or family dealing with mental illness and/or suicide.
now you can rest in peace sir ...god speed
Rut Nut speaking as a vet, thanks for the work that you do
