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BOUNTIFUL — An armed man shot and killed by Bountiful police outside Viewmont High School Tuesday night had a history of mental health issues, according to his family.
The family of Clay A. Reynolds, 27, of Bountiful, called his death a suicide in a prepared statement released Thursday.
“We are heartbroken by the passing of our son and brother, Clay Reynolds,” the letter from Rory Reynolds and his family stated. “We love him and will treasure our memories with him. Clay unfortunately struggled with a variety of mental health-related illnesses in recent years. We worked hard as a family to get him the help he needed. We did our best to fight alongside him as he bravely faced his challenges.”
Officers responded to a call of a man with a rifle, bow and arrow, and knife outside Viewmont High School just after 10:30 p.m. Tuesday. When Clay Reynolds saw police approaching, he picked up a shotgun, according to police.
“Officers gave orders to the suspect to drop his gun. The male responded by asking the officers to shoot him. Officers repeatedly attempted to de-escalate the situation. When the suspect raised and fired the shotgun, officers fired, striking the suspect,” according to a statement from Bountiful police.
Related:
Police shoot, kill man who fired at them at Viewmont High School; classes delayed 2 hours
Police shot and killed a man after he fired a shotgun at officers at Viewmont High School late Tuesday night, authorities say.In their statement, the Reynolds family encouraged anyone struggling with a mental health crisis to “please find the strength to speak openly with your family and friends and seek professional help. Likewise, we hope family members will embrace the hurt of their loved ones and battle alongside them.”
The family also acknowledged the Bountiful Police Department and the difficult situation officers were put in.
“While we hurt, we recognize there are unknown variables when responding to emergency calls. We hope the officers involved can find peace and comfort as they also struggle to come to terms with what happened.”
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call the suicide prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Crisis Hotlines
- Utah County Crisis Line: 801-691-5433
- Salt Lake County/UNI Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- Wasatch Mental Health Crisis Line: 801-373-7393
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online resources
- NAMI Utah: namiut.org
- Utah Chapter-American Foundation for Suicide Prevention: afsputah.com
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Warning signs of suicide
- Talking about wanting to die
- Looking for a way to kill oneself
- Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose
- Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain
- Talking about being a burden to others
- Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
- Acting anxious, agitated or recklessly
- Sleeping too little or too much
- Withdrawing or feeling isolated
- Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
- Displaying extreme mood swings
The more of these signs a person shows, the greater the risk. Warning signs are associated with suicide but may not be what causes a suicide.
Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
What to do if you see warning signs of suicide
- Do not leave the person alone
- Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt
- Call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255)
- Take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional
Information from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
