Tragic Death of Local Man Sparks Call for Greater Mental Health Awareness and Support

Lexington, Ky. – Kevin Allen Clarkson, aged 36, tragically passed away on September 5, 2024, after a long battle with mental health issues. His family reported that he took his own life, leaving a profound impact on those who knew him.

The Clarkson family held a vigil on Saturday in front of the PNC Bank Tower to honor Kevin’s life. Family and friends gathered to light candles and pray, reflecting on the love and joy he brought into their lives. “It came as a big shock to us all,” stated his brother, Ricky Clarkson. Kevin was remembered not only for his physical stature, standing at 6’3″, but also for his generous spirit and passion for the outdoors, including an impressive feat of swimming across the Kentucky River.

Described by his family as a person with a “big heart,” Kevin had a profound love for his family and friends. Sister Samantha Schaffner emphasized his character, saying, “He loved his family. He was there for anybody if he could be.” He is survived by his wife, sister, brother, uncle, and several nieces and nephews.

In the wake of this tragedy, the Clarkson family is advocating for greater awareness of mental health. Kevin struggled with schizophrenia and depression, which they believe hindered his ability to thrive. “The mental health, the schizophrenia kind of created barriers for him to prosper and succeed in life,” Schaffner added. The family insists that conversations surrounding mental health should be normalized, and they aim to promote systemic changes to better support individuals facing similar challenges.

Additionally, they propose creating emergency cards that detail an individual’s mental health disorders. This could enhance responsiveness from emergency medical services, ensuring that people are treated with understanding and respect. Program manager Sully, who is also Kevin’s brother-in-law, remarked, “Mental health is real and to me it’s becoming a crisis at this point where people end up in jail.”

Moving forward, the Clarkson family is determined to honor Kevin’s legacy by helping others dealing with mental health issues and substance use disorders. They have established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with Kevin’s final expenses, inviting community support during this difficult time.

The Clarkson family’s poignant message is clear: mental health matters, and open dialogue can save lives. They hope to foster a culture of understanding and support for those struggling with similar battles.