In Memoriam

The tragedy:

Zal Chapgar, a star athlete and 2003 graduate of Wissahickon High School, took his life on Monday in the most public of places, leaping from an upper floor of the Loews Philadelphia Hotel and landing on the sidewalk at 12th and Market Streets.

The article reminded me of so many I know that are similarly brilliant and drifting deeper into depression. The article touched on the incredible difficulties associated with getting adults help who are suffering from mental illness, but refuse treatment.

He had been suffering from depression and mental illness for the last year, his family said. Because he was an adult, their ability to help him find the treatment he needed was limited.