March 12, 1991 - May 28, 2007

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=91809666

Claremont High School students this week are mourning the loss of one of their own after 16-year-old sophomore, Bryan Robinson, took his own life Monday morning. Bryan hung himself in the closet in his room using a belt, police said. No suicide note was left. 

Students Remember 

A group of roughly 75 students gathered on Tuesday evening outside Taylor Hall to commemorate their lost friend. One by one, those who knew Bryan best stepped forward to express their sorrow and frustration. Hugs were exchanged and tears were shed. 

"We're all going to miss you Bryan," one student said. "You will always be with us because you will stay in everyone's memories and hearts." 

"I hope you are happier where you are now," said another. 

With candles in hand, the students told stories of the good times they shared with Bryan and described him as a genuine and "fearless" individual, who lacked regard for consequences. 

On his MySpace page, students and friends continue to write warm messages of condolence and sorrow. 

"I still can not believe that I'm not going to see you again," wrote one friend. "You always put a smile on my face. I will always have you in my heart." 

His friends said that Bryan had been suffering from depression as a result of typical teenage frustrations: with society, school and a rocky relationship with his family. Bryan had also developed a drug problem, which escalated to a point where he was using cocaine on a daily basis, several students said. 

Suicide Prevention 

Bryan's death raises questions about risk factors for teenage suicide and what communities, schools, families and friends can do to reach out to young people suffering from depression and considering suicide. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 3rd leading cause of death among young people ages 15 to 24. In dealing with depressed individuals, experts emphasize the need to take comments about self-hate, suicide or death very seriously, to keep in close contact with them, ask how one can help out and consult mental health professionals. 

CHS offers counseling services to students and supports a Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program. Started in 1994, the program was initiated by the parents of a teen suicide victim and has grown worldwide. It promotes community seminars and speeches, educational programs, a survivor support network and a suicide hotline. 

School counselors are currently busy dealing with grieving students struggling in the aftermath of losing their friend. Mr. Robinson said that CHS officials informed him that some 120 students have since sought out counseling services at the school as well as two faculty members. 

Yet despite his obvious troubles, Bryan himself chose not to reach out and make use of these services. He was just not the type of guy who would ever do so, friends said. 

"He's too stubborn for that," said one of his friends. 

A Father's Words 

Bryan was the only son of Mr. Robinson and lived with his father at his home in north Claremont. His parent's divorced when Bryan was a young child. His mother lives in Yucaipa. 

Mr. Robinson described Bryan as a happy, outgoing kid in his youth, who was very active and enjoyed playing sports. He said that Bryan could make everyone feel like his best friend but was adventurous and had a "wild streak." 

He explained how his son had just begun taking anti-depressant medication two weeks ago to help him battle his depression. Around the same time, his growing depression led to the decision for Bryan to withdraw from school and pursue a course of self-directed home study but the plan was only temporary and Bryan was already enrolled in summer school, his father said. 

After talking with a counselor, Mr. Robinson discovered that a higher instance of suicide occurs among people who just begin taking anti-depressants, causing him to speculate that the medication may have been a contributing factor. 

"Brian was loved by so many people," Mr. Robinson said. "While his death is a tragedy, I am hopeful that his death can prevent others-even one other person-from doing this. Then his death would not have been in vain. 

"He was a beautiful boy, and I loved him so much. I loved him more than anything in the world."