Pastor Joel Benson of Trinity Lutheran Church opens this years suicide remembrance talking to the crowd and saying a prayer Wednesday evening at Diamond Park. Shane Potter/Butler Eagle

Tyler Barger had never been diagnosed with mental illness or displayed clear signs of mental anguish and is described by his mother as an outgoing, positive person.

When he died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 27, it came as a shock to everyone, including his mother, Marta Barger.

Barger shared memories of her son at a suicide remembrance rally Wednesday evening, Sept. 7, in Diamond Park, where the Butler County Suicide Coalition hosted several speakers to raise awareness of suicide prevention. Barger said she hopes her story will help others struggling with mental anguish or provide some hope to those who have experienced similar loss.

“As with most suicides, the victim does not want to be a burden to anyone and thinks everyone would be better off without them,” she said. “I hope by sharing Tyler’s story ... it will help those people struggling with ideas of suicide realize they are loved, valued and have a purpose.”

The rally Wednesday was the fifth time the coalition has hosted the event, which always coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week, according to Amy Cirelli, co-chairperson of the Butler County Suicide Coalition.

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