Through the course of life, many of us struggle with battles and demons never visible to the outside world. Whether it’s because those around us aren’t paying attention, or we’re just really good at masking. Often, we get through those difficult times even though it can seem like it takes an eternity. Sometimes though… we lose someone to the darkness. While my entire platform is about breaking the stigmas around mental health, this… this is where I honour individuals that I, or people near me, have lost to that fight.
about ;
fight ;
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with suicidal thoughts or desires please reach out for help immediately – some resources can be found here or 988 and 911 in the United States. Do NOT give up. Your story is not over.
until valhalla.
remember.
Blake, otherwise known by his online pseudonym “Mallard_Wells”, fit right in within my community. After we got past the firm “professional demeanour” he had we were able to see and enjoy the lighthearted man beneath. Being “Duck” myself, I generally referred to Blake as the “inferior Duck” but at the same time we very much set out to grow the “flock” together. Blake shared my vision for trying to make the world a better place, advocating for people’s mental health as much as their physical safety. Whether it us collectively giggling over Clairebear’s snorts, or his own screams in horror after receiving boob shaped plushies there are many memories with Blake. He was a dear friend to me and others. He was gay, a person of colour, and a former law enforcement officer and because of those facts subjected to many hateful slurs, words, and actions… even from some of his own “family” and “friends” until he lost the fight on 1 June 2020. Blake was never the “inferior Duck”, he was however someone I am thankful to have known and was one of the best of us.
details.
birth.
31 December
final rest.
1 June 2020
service.
Personal Security
Law Enforcement
remember.
Joe was a dear friend to many in this community. He was a member, advocate and supporter of the original Off Duty Broadcasts, and pushed me, t3r0, on a frequent basis to restart the broadcasts. Joe was originally intended to be a reoccurring member of the new iteration of the broadcasts, but sadly we lost him to the fight with his demons before it restarted. When Joe was asked to describe himself for a blurb on the website with regard to the Off Duty Broadcasts, Joe said;
Joe is currently a board eligible general surgeon completing a fellowship in surgical critical care. He has two years experience as a NYC EMT and 5 years experience as a physician at a level 1 trauma center in NYC. Outside of surgery his professional expertise extends to disaster planning, mass casualty incidents, and NBC Warfare in the civilian setting. When not considering what the next doomsday event might be he spends his time reading, playing too many video games on the internet, and jamming to punk rock music.
Sadly, we lost Joe to the fight on 7 December 2021. There are only a handful of people you meet in your life that you feel will not only forever impact your life, but that you could carry a friendship through the entirety of it. And for me personally, Joe was one of those. Gone, but never forgotten.
details.
birth.
8 February 1987
final rest.
7 December 2021
service.
Healthcare (Doctor)
EMS, FDNY