#Stephen”tWitch”Boss, best known as the dancing DJ on The Ellen Show, dies at 40 by #suicide. It is important to know the warning signs to help your loved ones with #suicidalthoughts.
According to the medical examination by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office, Boss died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.
His wife, Allison Holker Boss, confirmed her husband’s death in a statement to People magazine.
“Stephen lit up every room he stepped into. He valued family, friends and community above all else and leading with love and light was everything to him,” she said.
#James Donaldson notes:
Welcome to the “next chapter” of my life… being a voice and an advocate for #mentalhealthawarenessandsuicideprevention, especially pertaining to our younger generation of students and student-athletes.
Getting men to speak up and reach out for help and assistance is one of my passions. Us men need to not suffer in silence or drown our sorrows in alcohol, hang out at bars and strip joints, or get involved with drug use.
Having gone through a recent bout of #depression and #suicidalthoughts myself, I realize now, that I can make a huge difference in the lives of so many by sharing my story, and by sharing various resources I come across as I work in this space. #http://bit.ly/JamesMentalHealthArticle
Order your copy of James Donaldson’s latest book,
#CelebratingYourGiftofLife:
From The Verge of Suicide to a Life of Purpose and Joy
www.celebratingyourgiftoflife.com
#Suicide is a leading cause of death in the US. It was responsible for nearly 46,000 deaths in 2020, the #CentersforDiseaseControlandPrevention (#CDC) data shows.
According to the #NationalInstituteofMentalHealth, the #suicide warning signs include:
- Talking about wanting to die, great guilt or shame, or being a burden to others.
- Feeling empty, empty, hopeless, trapped, or having no reason to live, as well as extremely sad, more anxious, agitated, or full of rage. Feeling unbearable emotional or physical pain may also be a sign of #suicide.
- Changing #behavior, such as making a plan or researching ways to die, withdrawing from friends or saying goodbye, taking dangerous risks, and using #drugs or #alcohol more often.
If you suspect someone is having #suicidalthoughts, ask them directly about it, keep them safe, and help them connect with professionals.
If you are having #suicidalthoughts, contact the #988 #SuicideandCrisisLifeline.
James Donaldson is a Washington State University graduate (’79). After an outstanding basketball career with WSU, he went on to play professional basketball in the NBA with the Seattle Supersonics, San Diego/L.A. Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New York Knicks, and Utah Jazz. He also played for several teams in the European Leagues in Spain, Italy, and Greece, and he toured with The Harlem Globetrotters to wrap up his career. James was an NBA All-Star in 1988 while playing center for the Dallas Mavericks. In 2006, James was inducted into the Pac-10 Sports Hall of Fame and also the Washington State University Athletic Hall of Fame. In 2010, James was elected as a board member for the NBA Retired Players Association.
James frequently conducts speaking engagements (motivational, inspirational, educational) for organizations, schools, and youth groups.
In 2010, James was the recipient of the NBA Legends of Basketball ABC Award, awarded for outstanding contributions in Athletics–Business–Community.
He believes in being a role model for success and professionalism to the scores of young people to whom he devotes so much of his time. He currently serves on several boards and committees and is a member of many organizations.
James believes in developing relationships that create a “Win-Win” environment for everyone involved, and in being the best he can be!
For more information about James Donaldson or to request he speak at your event, contact him at:
www.StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
JamesD@StandingAboveTheCrowd.com
1-800-745-3161 (voicemail & fax)
James Donaldson is the author of “Standing Above The Crowd” and “Celebrating Your Gift of Life” and founder of the Your Gift of Life Foundation which focuses on mental health awareness and suicide prevention, especially pertaining to our school aged children and men.
If you’re interested in having James come and speak to your group of young adults, business entrepreneurs, aspiring political and community leaders, and athletic teams, please contact him at jamesd@yourgiftoflife.org and or leave a personal message for him at 1-800-745-3161. Keep up with him and read about how he is reaching out and making a difference in the lives of so many around the world at www.yourgiftoflife.org
