The parents of suicide prevention advocate Poppy Reynolds are mourning the loss of their daughter, who died on June 22, nearly four years after her brother took his own life. Ms. Reynolds, 22, a civil plant operator from Bundaberg, Queensland, had become a vocal advocate for mental health and suicide prevention following her brother Harry's death at the same age.
Her mother, Natalie Vizer, shared in a eulogy that Ms. Reynolds' resilience wavered, stating, "One day last week, her tough resilience just couldn't show up one more time." Vizer added, "It has left an unfillable hole in my heart. I'm so sad that she masked so much pain so often."
Ms. Reynolds' father, Bruce, addressed his three other children, imploring them, "I'm sorry Jack, Grace and Euleilah, you're not allowed to do this anymore." One of her siblings, Jack, responded, "We really gotta stop meeting here, I hate this place."
Less than two weeks before her death, Ms. Reynolds posted a tribute on TikTok for Men's Mental Health Awareness Month. The post featured a photo of herself and her late brother, captioned, "It's not weak to speak. I live each day for him and forever will, I love you so much Haz. I'm sorry I couldn't help you."
Her social media was filled with messages for her brother, with whom she shared a close bond. Days after his death in December 2022, she wrote, "You deserved so much more." She also described him as her rock, the person who made everything feel lighter.
Friends and family have shared heartfelt tributes, describing Ms. Reynolds as a "loud, passionate, loving, fiery, dump truck girl." She was farewelled by loved ones last Friday, who spoke of the mental health challenges she faced. Lifeline Australia can be reached at 13 11 14, Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636, and Kids Helpline at 1800 55 1800.