Marie Osmond Family Devastated After Suicide of Son Michael Blosil

Marie Osmond's 18-year-old son, Michael Blosil, has died after jumping from a Los Angeles apartment building at about 9:00 p.m. Friday night. Osmond did not provide any details, but in a statement, she said her family was devastated by the "tragic loss."

"My family and I are devestated and in deep shock by the tragic loss of our dear Michael and ask that everyone respect our privacy during this difficult time," Osmond said.

According to Entertainment Tonight, Michael left a note saying he intended to end his life after a life-long battle with severe depression that left him feeling he had no friends and could never fit in.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 8.2 per 100,000 teenagers aged 15 to 19 died by suicide in 2006 and more than four times more males than females died as a result of suicide. In addition, suicide and suicidal behavior is the seventh leading cause of death in males compared to the seventeenth leading cause of death in females in 2006.

Risk factors for suicide include:
-History of depression or other mental disorders

- Substance-abuse often in combination with other mental disorders

- Family history of mental disorder or substance abuse

- Family history of suicide

- History of family violence that includes sexual and physical abuse

- Exposure to suicidal behavior of others

- Changes in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as decreased serotonin have been found in people with depression, impulsive disorders, history of suicide attempts, and in the brains of suicide victims.

It should be noted that suicide is attempted when one is in extreme distress and should not be taken lightly. A person appearing to be suicidal should not be left alone and mental health treatment should be sought immediately. Contact your local mental health office immediately, call 911, or go directly to the emergency room where they will then notify the appropriate office who will send someone to the hospital. Whatever you do, do not leave the person alone for any reason. Get rid of any firearms in the house and remove anything that could potentially be used by that person to end their life, including medications and knives.

Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health
ET Online