A young worker's death by suicide has prompted his boss to issue an emotional plea for anyone struggling to seek help after admitting he had reached 'breaking point' following the loss.
Walter Lucas, who worked at Little Bear Earthworks in Melbourne's north-west, died on July 30. The 20-year-old was remembered by his boss Charlie Jarratt as a kind, good-hearted and cheeky young man who would do anything for anyone.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Mr Jarratt said he had formed a close bond with Mr Lucas despite him only joining the company a few months earlier. "When he went, it was like a massive gut punch," he said. "He was such a good lad, a proper good kid... there were no signs he'd been struggling. Everyone at the funeral was saying, 'If only we knew... we could have helped'."
Mr Jarratt's comments come after he shared a now-viral post on social media calling for anyone struggling with their mental health to reach out for support. "I've been really trying to stay present and run the business, be a husband to Mads and daddy to Teddy. But it's so hard... it's been 96 days, mate, and it still rips my heart apart daily," he wrote.
His tribute attracted hundreds of comments, with many people sharing their own mental health struggles. He said he spoke to five men in just two days after sharing the post, with the individuals reaching out for support over relationship and financial issues and feeling like they weren't good enough.
He said those struggling often simply want the chance to be heard and urged people to reach out if they wanted to learn more about mental health initiatives. "It's hard to see signs when someone isn't showing them," he added.
Mr Jarratt has now employed Mr Lucas' younger brother Edward at his excavation business and remains in close contact with the family. "He's an amazing young fella!" he said.
News of Mr Lucas' passing comes weeks after two young boys from a close-knit junior rugby league club on Queensland's Gold Coast died by suicide. Kaiyah Kennedy, 12, and Treyvon Te Tahi Bradshaw, 13, passed away just six days apart, devastating their families and teammates. A 15-year-old boy also died by suicide in western Sydney in September after experiencing relentless bullying.
If you or someone you know needs support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.