WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Dozens of families walked through Kiroli Park today in remembrance of their loved ones who committed suicide.
Families affected by suicide are reaching out to Heartbeat Monroe, a local support group. Heartbeat Monroe held it's 6th Annual Suicide Walk to raise awareness and help prevent suicide. Multiple health organizations taught people about the signs that could lead to preventing suicide. The event coordinator, Teddi McGehee, shared her story of how the group got started.
"Ten years ago I lost my son, Brandon, to suicide, and I was devastated and went to compassionate friends and it was good, but it didn't quite fit the bill," says McGehee.
The walk had a great turn out despite its rocky start. The original Heartbeat Monroe walk was scheduled for early October, but was postponed do to rain. Paula Hawken, who's son committed suicide in 2010, traveled from Missouri for the walk a few weeks ago to find out it was canceled. Fortunately, she was able to make the trip again.
"It's been a big part of our healing process and we're just tickled to be here," says Hawken.
She and other families made signs to carry during the walk. Scotty's mother says she wouldn't miss the walk for anything else.
"Every year you see new people, and it makes you sad but then you're happy that there's a place for them to go to," says Hawken.
McGehee and Hawken agree that the pain they felt when their sons committed suicide could only be understood by other families feeling that same grief.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 11:11 AM EDT2013-06-19 15:11:30 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - One person has died, following a collision between a train and a car in northern Ouachita Parish. Also, another person is injured after that wreck.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 7:27 PM EDT2013-06-18 23:27:15 GMT
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
TALLULAH, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Board members at Madison Parish Hospital put the CEO on administrative leave earlier this month and they told us why on Tuesday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 12:45 PM EDT2013-06-19 16:45:59 GMT
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Shreveport police have arrested a 32-year-old woman in the death of a toddler who was brought to the hospital on Monday.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:36:16 GMT
WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Wednesday, Governor Bobby Jindal signed bills into law aimed at improving gun safety and protecting Second Amendment rights.
WEST MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) – Wednesday, Governor Bobby Jindal signed bills into law aimed at improving gun safety and protecting Second Amendment rights.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 2:03 PM EDT2013-06-19 18:03:32 GMT
EUNICE, La. (AP) - The "sexting" case against former Eunice High School teacher Jackie Fruge, originally filed in Eunice Municipal Court, is likely to be upgraded to a felony and moved to the state district court.
EUNICE, La. (AP) - The "sexting" case against former Eunice High School teacher Jackie Fruge, originally filed in Eunice Municipal Court, is likely to be upgraded to a felony and moved to the state district court.
