Luan Tran- Mental Health & Suicide Awareness

In Memory of Luan Tran December 3, 1987-September 11, 2020 who was a loving son, brother, and friend. I can vividly remember the phone call on Sept. 12, 2020 that would change my life forever. All that week I had an eerie feeling  that something was not right. Maybe it was my sister intuition, or maybe it was Luan trying to tell me something. When I received that phone call from Sergeant. I thought that my search of calling local jails and hospitals all week paid off— I thought Luan was found. I was ready to pick him up from wherever he was detained. However, what I was not ready for was Sergeant to say, “I’m sorry, but I’m going to have to stop you right there... we found Luan, but I am sorry to say that he is gone”. I felt like my heart stopped and the walls were caving in on me. I was in shock, there’s no way that could be!

A million things ran through my mind; it had to have been an accident, it wasn’t really him, was he set up or framed? I couldn’t fathom my brother doing such a thing, not the strong, independent, proud person that he was. Luan died by suicide, at one of his favorite fishing spots. He loved the outdoors and fishing, so it makes sense to me now why he picked a serene, calm place to go.

Luan was known by all of his family and friends as a giving person. Anyone who had a relationship with him spoke of how giving he was and how he would always give his last. His friends were more than just friends, they were his family. He was always willing to do for others and was extremely selfless. His personality was bright; he was the king of giving people blank stares and a straight face, but then burst out in a smile and laughter. He was the funniest person you'd ever meet. Luan had a gentle soul and never did anything to hurt others.

Luan enjoyed the simple things in life. He was the type of person that wanted to know your birthday so he could do something nice for you, but he would never tell his birthday because he didn’t want to be fussed over. The type of man that would offer to help you with any project and refuse if you attempted to pay him. A man of small words unless he was trying to tell you something, then just sit back and listen because he was going to get it out. He did what he wanted, when he wanted and he always did it his way.

I repeatedly ask myself, how could all his family and friends miss all the signs? How could we not know that something was wrong? That he was in such a dark place that would push him to take his life? Luan was battling with some mental illness silently. He would put on such a happy facade because he did not want others to worry about him.

According to the CDC, “Suicide, which is often associated with symptoms of mental illness, is the 10th leading cause of death the U.S. and the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 15-34”.

As I sit here planning his funeral, I am thinking of what I can do to honor his name and his giving nature. The best way that I can think is to continue giving—just like he would have wanted.

Please contribute in memory of Luan Tran and anyone else who may be suffering from Mental illness or effected by suicide. 100% of proceeds will be donated in his name to advocate for Suicide Prevention as well as Mental Health Awareness. Thank you in advance for your contributions.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:
800-273-8355