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Condolences to the Lake Mead NPS Family
The Deputy Director of the NPS, Shawn Benge, recently shared the news of the tragic loss of a beloved member of the NPS family, in an email to all employees.
Charles Otto, a law enforcement ranger stationed at Boulder Beach, headquarters for Lake Mead National Recreation Area, died of an apparent suicide outside of the park over the weekend. Charles is survived by his wife and two young children as well as his parents, who serve as volunteers at the park.
Very few subjects are more personal and private than deaths by suicide. However, it is important that we have these conversations together and work to support each other now more than ever. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States and deaths by suicide affect individuals and families across our society. I also want to acknowledge that law enforcement officers and first responders who experience significant stress injuries throughout their careers are particularly affected by suicide. We may never know all the factors leading to this tragedy; what we do know is that in nearly all suicides there is no single cause or simple explanation.
For those who are struggling, you are not alone, and help is available
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
This hotline offers free 24-hour confidential, live support.
suicidepreventionlifeline.org
800-273-TALK (8255)
I ask each of you to make a concerted effort to watch out for one another. To routinely check in on one another. Help is available and no one should feel the need to suffer alone or in silence.
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