With what we know, John. Marissa. I spent the whole day talking to the family of the teenagers. They say the tragedy happened just eight days after they celebrated his birthday. His aunt tells us that he is here. Josiah Michael Dwinnell, who says he was just 13 years old when he died yesterday afternoon by suicide. She says it’s really heartbreaking and that he was an amazing young man who loved her completely. In a press release that we received just an hour ago, several agencies of the city of Alstead responded yesterday and they are offering to help them if needed. I am in New Hampshire, helping those affected by mental illness. And we talked about what family and friends can see in young people like Josiah. In cases where one is unsure about a young person’s mental health, they say it’s always best to just ask. Grief is a part of life and it’s hard and painful, but it’s all of us. we That’s why we look to each other for support. And that’s what it means to have trusted adults in a child’s life, to help them. And as they learn how to navigate these really tough emotions like grief. Of course, we will include online resources with this story. If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, this includes the 988 telephone number. You can always call or text.
Mental health experts are offering advice after a 13-year-old boy in Alstead died by suicide
Updated: 5:24 PM EDT March 13, 2026
Institutional standards
A 13-year-old boy died of a suicide in Alstead on Thursday, his family told News 9. The boy died eight days after he was born, Josiah Michael Dwinnell’s aunt said. She said the boy’s death was “truly heartbreaking”, describing him as an amazing young man who she loved completely. Mental Illness – New Hampshire provides support for those struggling with and affected by mental illness. Executive director Suzanne Stearns said families and friends of young people should look out for signs of mental health struggles. If someone you know is in crisis, call 988 or call 988 for 24/7 help. If you are uncomfortable talking on the phone, you can talk to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org. Know the warning signs and risk factors for suicide In situations where someone is unsure about a young person, you are always encouraged to talk about mental health. “You don’t want to assume that middle school students, for example, know more than they do, so you want to find out what they know, what they’re thinking about, and being comfortable in acknowledging the grief,” she said. Starnes said it’s okay to be direct. “If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can call the crisis number 988 for help any time of the day or night. How 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can help: Someone with a research strategy People who guide someone in crisis Someone who has knowledge. Suicidal thoughts feel comfortable does when someone asks them carefully. Findings show that talking about suicide reduces rather than increases suicidal thoughts. Be there: People feel less depressed, less suicidal, and more hopeful after talking to someone who listens. Creating support and safety can help them act positively and reduce feelings of hopelessness. Follow-up: Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing communication can be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for those who have been discharged from hospital or have been discharged from hospital.
A 13-year-old boy died of a suicide in Alstead on Thursday, his family told News 9.
Josiah Michael Dwinnell’s aunt said the boy died eight days after his birthday.
She said the boy’s death was “truly heartbreaking” and described him as an amazing young man who was completely loved.
In a news release, the town of Alstead said multiple agencies responded Thursday, and offered to help them if needed.
National Alliance on Mental Illness – New Hampshire provides support for those struggling with and affected by mental illness. Executive director Susan Stearns said families and friends of young people should look out for signs of mental health struggles.
“Grief is a part of life, and it’s hard and it’s painful, but that’s why we look to each other for support, and that’s what having trusted adults in a child’s life is to do is to help them as they learn how to navigate these really difficult emotions like grief.” she said
Sources of crisis
In cases where one isn’t sure about a young man’s mental health, Starnes said it’s always best to ask.
“You want to have a conversation, but you don’t want to assume that middle schoolers, for example, know more than they do, so you want to find out what they know, what they’re thinking about, and being a comforting presence in accepting grief,” she said.
Stearns said it’s okay to be direct.
“If you’re concerned that someone is thinking about suicide, you want to ask directly,” she said. “It’s a myth that you’re going to put an idea over someone’s head, and the truth is, that’s the best way to engage someone in that conversation.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can Call the crisis number 988 For help at any time of the day or night.
How to help
The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline has developed a strategy to guide people who know someone who is in crisis:
- Ask: Research shows that people who are thinking about suicide feel comforted when someone asks them a question in an interesting way. Findings suggest that admitting and talking about suicide may reduce rather than increase suicidal ideation.
- Be there: Individuals are more likely to feel less depressed, less suicidal, less tired, and more hopeful after talking to someone who listens without judgment.
- Keep them safe: A number of studies have shown that when lethal instruments are less available or less lethal, the rate of suicide by this method decreases, and often the rate of suicide decreases overall.
- Help them stay connected: Studies show that helping someone at risk develop a network of resources and individuals for support and safety can help them take positive action and reduce feelings of hopelessness.
- Follow: Studies have also shown that brief, low-cost intervention and supportive, ongoing communication can be an important part of suicide prevention, especially for people who have been discharged from hospitals or care services.
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