Featured Image Credit: Kennedy News and Media
Topics: US News, Mental Health
Joe Harker
A woman whose husband took his own life the day after they'd shared a 'perfect' honeymoon has shared a vital message.
Isabel Coles married her husband Christopher in September 2024, around a year and a half after they'd met via a dating app, and they went to the 'Sea.Hear.Now' beach-front music festival in New Jersey for their honeymoon.
Isabel said they were 'insanely happy' on their honeymoon but when they returned home she noticed Christopher was acting strangely, as she explained that once they got back he didn't want to speak to her.
On 18 September, the 28-year-old former soldier walked into the woods with a handgun and took his own life.
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"We flew back home and he stayed up all night putting our guest information into our website for the ceremony in May," Isabel said.
"In the morning, he was folding laundry and things were a little weird. I asked him what was wrong, and he said 'nothing'.
"He went downstairs and tried to get out. I stood at the front door and asked what was going on."
She was left 'shocked and devastated' after she was told that her husband had took his own life, and is now trying to raise money for suicide prevention in his honour.
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Isabel has set up a fundraiser, which you can donate to here, as she's running the 2025 Chicago marathon to collect donations for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP).
Marathon running is particularly special to Isabel's memory of Christopher as he proposed to her after running his first marathon, telling her he 'couldn't have run this marathon without your love and support'.
Isabel explained: "Suicide, especially within the military community, is far more prevalent than most people realize.
"Christopher was always there for his fellow soldiers, teammates, and friends, and it breaks my heart that we lost him to this tragic epidemic. AFSP’s mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.
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"They fund critical research, provide training for clinicians in suicide prevention, and advocate for policies that save lives. They also ensure that those struggling with suicidal thoughts know they are not alone.
"This race is not just for Christopher. It’s for everyone affected by suicide and mental health struggles.
"Every dollar raised will fund research and prevention efforts, providing resources to those who may be silently suffering. I hope to bring light to the darkness and help ensure that others don't have to face the same devastating loss that I have."
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.