Auburn, Maine, Dad's Heartfelt Plea After Son's Tragic Death

Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information is provided for free as well as a chat message service. To speak directly to a professional, call 1-800-273-8255. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.

The twin cities of Lewiston/Auburn, Maine, were heartbroken by the tragic death of 16-year-old Elliot Hill.

Elliot was an Edward Little High School teen who recently died by suicide. He was remembered on Sunday when his friends, family, and classmates came together to fill the baseball field, according to WMTW. Elliot was a varsity catcher for EL, and had a deep passion for music.

Many people, including athletes and students, spoke at the vigil and shared their love and gratitude towards Elliot.

But Elliot's father, Rodney Hill, had a deeply strong and poignant statement for all listening. The video was shared on Rodney's Facebook page, and has since received thousands of views.

Rodney’s call to action was very touching, as he urged those in dark places to reach out for help.

As an observer, I witnessed a father grieving the loss of his son and using his moment of deepest pain to prevent other parents from experiencing the same loss.

Discussing the pressures of life, particularly those faced by teenagers, and addressing their hardships, Rodney said that...

Maybe this pressure can be so incredibly heavy that you find a dark place in your mind where you feel there is no way out or the way out isn’t worth finding. Any maybe in this dark place you desperately want help. Maybe in this dark place you don’t think about help…if you ever find a place that resembles that, you remember us, and remember this, if you can please tell someone who loves you.

Rodney went on to direct others to call 988, the suicide and crisis hotline, if they are ever feeling like there is no way out.

Despite the rain, the sunlight pierced through the clouds as if giving the family a warm embrace. Soon after, a double rainbow appeared over the field.

The entire state of Maine is sending their condolences and love to this grieving family in their time of need.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please text or call 988 for help.

Maine's Crisis Line: 1-888-568-1112 (Voice) or 711
NAMI Maine Helpline: 1-800-464-5767 (Press 1)

You are never alone.