A Richwood man is dead of an apparent suicide.
Michael David Blaine Andrews II, 25, of Richwood, was pronounced dead at 6:07 p.m., Aug. 18, at the cemetery.
“Right now, it is looking like it is a suicide — a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head,” said Lance Emberling, an investigator with the Union County Coroner’s Office.
Emberling said that during the evening a woman was watering flowers at the cemetery and saw a car parked there as well. At some point the woman went to the car and discovered Andrews.
The woman called 911. When medics arrived at the scene, they pronounced Andrews dead at the scene.
“It appears his death was recent — within a couple hours of the 911 call,” Emberling said.
He said the man did not leave a note or give an indication of why he chose to commit suicide.
“We haven’t found anything yet,” Emberling said.
The investigator did say that Andrews has a step-brother buried in the cemetery. In 2006, the step brother died in a motorcycle crash in Delaware County.
Emberling said the man had lived in North Carolina, but “just recently moved here and was staying in the Richwood area.”
Holly Zweizig, Adult Systems of Care Director for Union County Mental Health and Recovery Board advocated that anyone “concerned for yourself or a loved one, please call the crisis hotline 1-800-731-5577 or text 4HELP to 85511.”
Those wanting help may also call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK.
Students with an immediate need are asked to contact Nationwide Childrens’ Hospital Crisis Hotline at (614) 772-1800.
Zweizig said Maryhaven also offers walk-in crisis services during business hours.
Suicide experts say friends and family members can also contact resources to help others. Officials said some warning signs may be helpful to determine if a loved one is at risk for suicide, especially if the behavior is new, has increased, or seems related to a painful event, loss or change.
Signs include:
– Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves.
– Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun.
– Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live.
– Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain.
– Talking about being a burden to others.
– Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs.
– Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly.
– Sleeping too little or too much.
– Withdrawing or isolating themselves.
– Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge.
– Extreme mood swings.
A full obituary for Andrews can be seen above.