Vigil Set For Man Who Took His Life At Springside Park Encampment

Today 9/10 is World Suicide Prevention Day.

A vigil has been organized for a man who took his own life Tuesday evening at the encampment at Springside Park.

A gathering for Derek LaRoche will take place at noon Sept. 19 in Burbank Park, according to a Facebook event page. The public is invited.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that LaRoche, 33, was found shortly after 7 p.m., according to the Berkshire District Attorney's Office. Investigators don't believe foul play was involved.

The encampment in Springside Park has become a home to dozens of people this summer.

Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington, who came to the scene said,

This is a heartbreaking tragedy. I send my condolences to the family and friends of Mr. LaRoche, This incident is a stark reminder of the multitude of challenges members of our community face. We ask the community to support one another, have compassion and understanding, and find ways to help lift the burdens and stresses we all feel.

The victim witness advocates from the DA's office are offering the family and witnesses grief support and connecting them to services.

Anyone having thoughts of suicide or a mental health crisis may find help in a number of ways:

Call the Brien Center at 1-800-252-0227 to talk to a local crisis counselor 24/7 or text NAMI to 741-741 to communicate with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.

Or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) to speak with a trained crisis counselor 24/7.