I just wanted to let you know that MaleSurvivor member Liri (aka Oliver Strummer) passed away last night.

Thanks, I didn't know Oliver, but it seems from reading his posts that he made great strides in his recovery. I'm constantly amazed at the resilience of survivors and Oliver was no exception. Yesterday it was a glorious day here in Seattle, I hope he got to enjoy it.

-efm

Holy........? What happened? ?

so tragic. what a great guy and a great artist.

in case you didn't know him, you can read his survivor story to get to know about his struggles.

this post will show the depth of his character as an artist.

check out his other art and poetry.

rest in peace beautiful soul; you touched many of us with your passion.

with regret,

ron

What happened to Liri anyway, last we heard from him he was heading home for Thanksgiving a 16 months ago, then I don't believe that he ever posted again. Wasn't he living in Seattle?

Sorry to hear of his untimely death, he seemed to be a good young guy working his way back from one hell of a tough upbringing.

Mark

He decided not to go home for Thanksgiving and I spent most of that December with him in Seattle.

Over the last few months, his father began to admit to and apologize for some of the abuse, he and his mother were trying to rebuild trust in their relationship, but his struggles with anxiety and depression were become a greater and greater battle. Treatments weren't working and he had a suicide attempt last month. He began ECT (Electro Convulsive Therapy) but that wasn't working very well either.

I called him last night to check up on him. He had just hung up the phone when it rang. His mother had just called to let him know a good friend of his back home in Wilmington, NC had passed away. It was a friend who had shared addiction and recovery but where Oliver had succeeded, his friend had relapsed. His addiction had taken his life and Oliver was devastated. We spoke about it and he had promised me he'd be safe. He took his own life last night.

Oliver is an important part in my recovery story. I don't think there is anyone in this world that knows more about me and my story, and I his. He was a very special person. I already miss him terribly.

Sorry to hear that Mike, I didn't know that he and you were close. I myself had more than a few buddies from drug treatment go down in flames, it is always hard when somebody that you are close to decides to end the battle. Hope that you don't beat yourself up over what you might have done differently. I feel bad for his family, as it seems that progress was being made. To your credit you tried Mike, gave selflessly of yourself. Sorry that it didn't work out for Liri, it seemed like he was doing a lot better. Don't let this setback stop you from trying again.

We're here if you need us Mike, sorry to hear about you losing your friend.

Mark

so sorry for your loss.

Michael,

I am so sorry about your friend. I never knew him, and yet, I feel like I just lost a brother I never knew I had. And I'm very sad for you too, Mike. This feels strange to say to a moderator, but if you would like to talk to someone, I'm more than willing to listen. You probably have all kinds of support already, though. Anyway, I wish you well and I'll pray for you and your friend, too.

Sincerely,

Bobcat