Joshua Gabriel McHugh, a 22-year-old resident of 2 Sled Court in Palm Coast, was found dead of suicide on July 23 at his home, according to a Flagler County Sheriff’s Office incident report.
McHugh had been seeing a psychologist and had wrestled with depression in the past, but had not had any depression issues and was no longer on medication, according to his mother’s account to deputies.
He had been furloughed from his job at PetSmart because of the coronavirus emergency but had gone back to work that week. His mother told deputies that he’d been less pleased with his workplace because “they got rid of all the good employees.” Yet her son didn’t seem upset, nor had he had any issues with fellow-employees or family members, his mother told deputies. Nor had he attempted suicide before. McHugh’s 19-year-old sister spoke in the same terms.
His mother had last seen him the night before, around 10 p.m. She had not heard from him the next day and had gone to check on him in his room, where she found him. He had used a rope.
Sheriff’s detectives and the Crime Scene Investigations unit responded, as is routine in such instances, and the medical examiner took custody of the body.
The following resources are available for individuals in crisis:
In Flagler: The Crisis Triage and Treatment Unit (CTTU) is a crisis assessment and referral service for Flagler County residents experiencing behavioral health crisis. It is located at 301 Justice Lane in the Brown & Brown Outpatient building at the Vince Carter Sanctuary in Bunnell. This program is limited to individuals escorted to the program by law enforcement between the hours of noon and midnight daily. Law enforcement is able to transport individuals to SMA to assess and determine the appropriate clinical disposition. When required and appropriate, SMA then transports the individual to a receiving facility in Volusia County.
In Daytona Beach: Stewart-Marchman Act Corporation Crisis Center
1220 Willis Avenue
Daytona Beach, FL 32114
Crisis Line: (800) 539 – 4228
Available 24 hours.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 800/273-8255 (TALK), or use the online Lifeline Crisis Chat, both available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
People 60 and older can call the Institute on Aging’s 24-hour, toll-free Friendship Line at 800-971-0016. IOA also makes ongoing outreach calls to lonely older adults.
If you are concerned for someone else, read about warning signs here. For additional resources, see the Speaking of Suicide website.
Trailer Bob says
So sorry the this young man and his family. My nephew (adopted son) hung himself several years ago. So, so sad.
But I did get his dog, which was brought to the humane society, and Steven, we say, now lives in Frankie the dog.
Very difficult to deal with suicides, as they make sense as being possible, yet when the actually do happen it is unbelievable.
May this young man rest in peace. May the family heal and come to a peaceful closing…of sorts.
So sorry.
amazed says
People need to get back to work. Flagler is the suicide capital of Florida.
Only Me says
Very sad. RIP
Toosadforwords says
Devastating. My heart breaks for all of them. I am so sorry.
C’mon man says
It’s a shame there are no good services here. Ask anyone who’s been to SMA in Daytona, it’s horrible.
CP says
My most sincere and profound apologies for the family in this very difficult time.
There are no words that can comfort or heal your broken hearts but perhaps in due time you may find comfort in the memories you hold dear to your heart and know that you will one day see your son and brother again.
Praying for your comfort and peace.
“It is good to come together to the Lord and pray for each other’s burdens”.
Jennifer says
It’s very sad this young man ended his life. We always hear about suicide “awareness” programs, but so many people who kill themselves don’t have signs of depression or suicidality, so not sure how those programs are supposed to help anyone.
Tammy says
Condolences to his family and friends. A young soul will now find peace.
Lynn says
There are no words – just heartfelt prayers for peace💙
Kp says
Still thinking of you, over half a year later.
Gabriel was a pure soul. I didn’t know him very well, regrettably, but I thought about him a lot, in life and now in death. The world is darker without him.
I hope you are resting in peace. You didn’t deserve to feel the way you did.
All my love to his family.
Alexis McLaughlin says
I’m a teenager and when this happened i was in elementary school and i remember coming home and passing their house, there was so many cops and my friends mom crying (my friends were Joshua’s brothers and sister) and i was so confused, then i saw them bring a body bag and i knew somebody was gone which scared me but ill never forget that day when we figured out who it was and what happened.