In Memory of Cynic

Dear members,

It is with deep sadness that we announce that we recently became aware of the death of Cynic, who posted on the community between 2009 and 2011. He was 19 years of age at the time of his death.

He had been attending university at the time, and his death was officially ruled a suicide, linked to severe long-term depression due to a traumatic incident as a child.

Although many of you may not have been registered here when he was posting, or may not recall seeing his activity because of his reserved nature, he is somebody I (and I suspect other staff and ex-staff) recall. Despite his reserved nature, he was a popular member amongst his close circle of friends on here, and he was always a model member to communicate with. All in all, he was a shining example of somebody who wanted to get the best out of what EC had to offer, and who reminded myself how it's worth all the effort that it takes to keep the service running so that people like him have somewhere to be, either for obtaining advice or for just relaxing and interacting with peers. He wasn't somebody I knew well, but the limited interactions I had with him highlighted just how much of a pleasant and down to earth guy he was.

It's circumstances like this which highlights how precious life can be, and offers us a sobering reminder about how little we can truly know of the pain that somebody is going through inside their own mind. So... if you have a friend or family member who you know has gone through hardship and you've not heard from them for a while, go and ask them how they are. If you yourself are currently suffering and feel like nobody is there, reach out to somebody and ask them if you can talk, whether it be one of us, a support helpline, or even a trusted family member or friend. Whoever it is, we'll listen and we'll care. I can't begin to imagine what was going through Cynic's mind at the time of his death, but 4 years since he was last active on EC and he is still remembered by people as the great guy he was. His life was precious, and his time on earth will have immeasurably benefited so many people, including people on here. The same can be said for every single one of us, despite the darkness in our mind's often making it seem like the exact opposite is true.

As a mark of respect, the staff team has agreed to place his account into our In Loving Memory usergroup.

Rest in Peace, Cynic.

From EC Staff.