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SALT LAKE CITY — A Utah family is continuing their son's legacy of cleaning up communities, and using it as an opportunity to address the stigma surrounding suicide.
In November, 25-year-old Ryland Hosenfeld died by suicide. Before his death, he made it his mission to clean up the community.
"He had already picked up 641 pounds (of trash) between 2019 and 2022 and so we've just been able to add to that, about 950 pounds," said Kathy Kirby, Hosenfeld's mother. "It's the way that I feel close to Ryland because that's what he enjoyed doing."
For the family it is more than just filling bags with litter, it is about being about to start a conversation with people curious about the group's efforts.
"Often people will say, 'Thanks for picking up trash,' and just gives you an opportunity to talk about my son's story," Kirby said. "It just gives you an opportunity to talk about (suicide) because it is something that has been such a stigma for so long and that's obviously not helping."
Kirby said she can often connect with people who have been impacted by suicide and is hopeful these interactions will continue with each park and trail they clean.
"If what we are doing, and talking about suicide can save one person, then I just feel like we have succeeded, and I know Ryland's proud of us for trying."
Hosenfeld's girlfriend, Jaden Schmidt, said participating in these cleanup efforts helps her feel close to him. She is grateful that so many other people, his friends and even strangers, have pitched in to help.
"I know that's what he wanted," she said. "It's just kind of figuring out how we can do that and then also have other people in on the mission as well."
The family is organizing a public trash cleanup and suicide awareness event on Saturday, Sept. 16. Details will be on his Instagram page, @slctrashcollective, where he logged most of his cleanup efforts.
Suicide prevention resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call 988 to connect with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
Crisis Hotlines
- Huntsman Mental Health Institute Crisis Line: 801-587-3000
- SafeUT Crisis Line: 833-372-3388
- 988 Suicide and Crisis LifeLine at 988
- Trevor Project Hotline for LGBTQ teens: 1-866-488-7386
Online resources
- NAMI Utah: namiut.org
- SafeUT: safeut.org
- Suicide Prevention Lifeline: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Utah chapter: afsp.org/chapter/utah
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.
