This past December, UCF student Tyler Paton unexpectedly took his own life. Tyler was a sports journalism major who was a part of Hitting the Field, and was a major part of the lives of everyone around him.
After the news, Tyler’s parents turned their grief into ambition and created the Tyler Jhett Paton Foundation. Unlike most suicide prevention programs and hotlines, the foundation serves to prevent suicide by creating peer accountability partners.
Tyler’s parents weren’t the only ones who chose to turn their grief into change. His brother Nick Paton has recently used his social media platform to raise awareness. Nick has created social media accounts on Instagram and Tiktok, @runnin4ty, dedicating himself to running one meter for every new follower, and these accounts have already developed a combined seventy-five thousand followers.
While nothing can reverse this unimaginable loss, Tyler’s family continues to honor his memory by working towards change. If you haven’t already, please visit the Tyler Jhett Paton Foundation’s website, and consider donating if you are able. If you, or someone you know, are struggling, there are multiple resources listed below. Check in with your friends, remind them they aren’t alone and remember, neither are you.
Crisis Text Line – Text HOME to 741741
Suicide Crisis Helpline – Call 988 for 24/7 Help
NAMI Helpline – Call 1-800-950-NAMI
SAMHSA Helpline – Call 1-800-662-4352
To learn more about the cause, view the Tyler J Paton Foundation
