The father of one of the children killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook school shootings has been found dead after it is believed he took his own life.
The father of a Sandy Hook victim killed himself Monday, just days after two Stoneman Douglas students also took their lives.
The Florida deaths have officials in Parkland and nearby Coral Springs renewing their communities’ focus on the suicide prevention and mental health resources that remain available 13 months after a gunman killed 17 people at the high school.
Dr Jeremy Richman, 49, was found dead at Edmonton Town Hall in Connecticut on Monday about 7am (local time), Newtown Police Department wrote on Facebook.
Dr Richman was the father of Avielle, 6, who was fatally shot alongside 19 other children aged between six and seven years old.
“The death appears to be a suicide, but police will not disclose the method or any other details of the death, only to state the death does not appear to be suspicious,” police said.
Richman and Hensel became outspoken advocates following their daughter’s death. The two co-founded the Avielle foundation, which strives to prevent violence and build compassion through brain research, community engagement and education.
Newtown Police Department Lieutenant Aaron Bahamonde said Dr Richman’s death was “a heartbreaking event” for not only his family but the entire community.