'Our Hearts are Shattered' But Sandy Hook Dad's Work Goes On

NEWTOWN, CT — The father of a first-grader killed in the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School mass shooting was found dead Monday morning. Police initially judged the death an "apparent suicide," and that was later confirmed by the state medical examiner's office.

Making the death of Dr. Jeremy Richman even more horrific is that he had dedicated his life since his daughter Avielle's death to preventing the violence that so often accompanies mental illness.

Richman and his wife Jennifer Hensel co-founded the Avielle Foundation, whose mission is to "prevent violence and build compassion through neuroscience research, community engagement, and education."

"Our hearts are shattered, and our heads are struggling to comprehend," the Foundation said in a prepared statement. "Jeremy was deeply devoted to supporting research into brain abnormalities that are linked to abnormal behavior and to promoting brain health. Tragically, his death speaks to how insidious and formidable a challenge brain health can be and how critical it is for all of us to seek help for ourselves, our loved ones and anyone who we suspect may be in need."

The Avielle Foundation focuses upon "breakthrough neuroscience research," bridging biochemical and behavioral sciences, and making the neurosciences a prestigious and lucrative life endeavor.

Richman was a neuropharmacologist who had more than 20 years of experience in research and drug discovery, according to the Foundation website.

Congresswoman Jahana Hayes (CT-05) said in a release that, "The news of Jeremy Richman’s death is heartbreaking. I recently met with Jeremy to learn about the Avielle Foundation, and was struck by how optimistic he was about the progress the foundation was making in understanding brain health. He spoke about how the foundation’s investments have led to broader study of brain chemistry and violence."

The Foundation also spearheads community engagement and education initiatives meant to empower "everyday citizens" to advocate for brain health in themselves and others. This includes a series of talks, workshops, and activities collectively known as the "Brainstorm Experience," which is now in its second season. The workshops are all held at Edmond Town Hall in Newtown, where the Foundation has offices, and where police found Richman's body.

Local state representatives Mitch Bolinsky, J.P. Sredzinski and Raghib Allie-Brennan, and State Senator Hwang issued a joint statement following Richman's death, which read in part: "We are shocked and saddened, as is the whole community, by this tragic news. After losing their daughter on December 14, 2012, Mr. Richman and his wife, Jennifer Hensel, dedicated their lives to the Avielle Foundation, becoming a force in the support of brain-health, research, advocacy, and making the world a better place. Jeremy's accomplishments were an inspiration to many and we will miss him."

On Twitter, Governor Ned Lamont said, "Annie and I are heartbroken for the Richman family. Thoughts and prayers just don't feel like enough in times like these. Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow."

The death of Richman comes less than two weeks after the suicides of two survivors of the mass shooting at Parkland, FL, on Valentine's Day in 2018. One of those deaths was determined the result of "survivor's remorse," and the victim had been diagnosed with post-traumatic disorder.

Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, PhD, commissioner of the Fairfield County Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, advises that people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts need not fight that battle alone: "Call 2-1-1. That is Emergency Mobil Psychiatric Services, who is geared more toward youth. An EMPS team can come out and meet people in their home, wherever they are, to lend support and get them connected to services."

Nationwide, people should call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255.