Mother Organizing Suicide Awareness Walk

Following the death of her son to suicide, a local mother is organizing an awareness walk next week.

Tara Ball lost her son, Connor, last year. Connor was a freshman at Exeter High School. The school community has lost three students in the last three years, including sophomore Cody Brackett this month.

Tara is helping put on a "Walk to Prevent Suicide" at Peirce Island in Portsmouth Sept. 29. So far more than 200 have registered for the event and raised close to $25,000.

Tara is working with the nonprofit American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

The group says suicide is the third-leading cause of death for teenagers and young adults.

"It's an irreversible decision," Tara said.

She said she's also working with school officials to help train students and teachers about suicide prevention. Students are also raising money for the effort.

"I just want the awareness to be there," Tara said. "We though the more attention that we bring to it, the better ... If we save one child, we've done a good job."

Register for the walk here. Peirce Island is located on Peirce Island Road in Portsmouth.