Suicide

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Caring and responsible behaviour are not mutually exclusive of suicide. It's sad because there's the possibility that she could have felt better and there are the people left behind who miss her, but I don't think her manner of death makes her uncaring. I guess someone's killing themselves is the ultimate insult to the world, but don't forget to take into account that she was likely acting under the influence of depression, which is an illness.

I am sorry that this happened, but don't think less of her. One wouldn't think less of someone who died of a stroke.

Oh, I don't think less of her at all, just pointing out that it was a major operation to locate her. She was found with no shoes, which means she likely had just crossed -- or attempted to cross a stream. There were also some bruises on her upper thigh and elbow, indicating she had a fall. I think her knee must have popped out again, which would explain the fall. Maybe she got very despondent over not being able to complete the hike to pay her last respects to her hiking mentor. Being cold, wet, somewhat injured, and depressed, I suspect that she'd just had enough.

All this confirms my impression that suicide JUST ISN'T WORTH IT.

What is it not worth? All the fun and laughter? Suicide from depression is death because of illness. You make it sound like something fun.

Suicide is always a tragic waste to those left behind, KK. When think of how young my friend was and what a brilliant mind she had...it's too much to bear.

I suspect, though, that I might go out the same way someday when life has become little more than taking up space.

I didn't mean it THAT way.

I meant the futility of it.

Your friend had lots to live for. She just didn't know it.

You really can't know how it went down. It is tragic when someone takes their own life because of the wasted potential. But illness takes people sometimes. It's part of life. And she did this on her own terms.
With regard to the inconvenience of dealing with her body, well, dealing with a body is always inconvenient. If I were to speculate, I would say she hoped animals would eat her remains. That's what I would hope in that situation anyway. She was obviously an effective person. She didn't waste her time scarring her wrists and such. I never knew her, but I totally get it. And frankly, from your descriptions of her, I find her impressive.

It would have, perhaps, have been better if she'd lived as she probably had a lot to contribute, but that's not what happened. No sense wondering what would have been. Death comes for everyone one time or another.

I'm really sorry to hear this. I remember you posting about your friend's death a while ago, which came when you were already having a difficult time. So thank you for letting us know, sad as the news is.

There has been a very thoughtful and profound discussion here about suicide, a complex question. So I hope some of the members of WP who contemplate suicide themselves will read it and reflect. Then perhaps something positive will come from this tragedy.

I hope you're coping. Do pm me if you'd like to chat.

She was an impressive woman, Ann. I doubt I ever cross paths with her like again. It's very odd you should mention being torn apart by animals. I started to read her first novel shortly after she passed, but had to put it down. It was all too disturbing. It was a murder mystery that involved the investigation of a dead hiker who just happened to be found in the same area of the park where her body was found. There was talk about how the wild boars will tear a dead body apart so badly that a person could never be identified.

Thank you Hyperborean. I'm coping pretty well. I'm hoping when attending the memorial hike will help bring closure. I need to let go and say goodbye. Yes, I hope this conversation can be helpful to others.

I got back from my friend's memorial service -- actually it was called a "Celebration of Life" -- yesterday. It was a very emotional, but cathartic experience. There were many tears, but also much laughter! She had so many amazing friends who loved and respected her. I carpooled with one of the, with whom I had struck up a friendship on a Smokies social networking site. She was a wonderful lady! We helped each other get through the day. Met many other remarkable people. For perhaps the first time in my life, I feel like I belong to a community. I know where I belong now!

I'm glad you're reaching out to people. It's a great sign.

I'm sure this is in keeping with your friend's desires.

Yes, it is. We talked about this very thing.