Any time a young life is lost is unfortunate. An unfortunate time for the Gracie Academy came when a black belt student Donnie Puliselich decided to take his own life.
This lead Rener and Ryron to express their regret at not having done more. The Gracie brothers released a statement saying:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our long-time jiu-jitsu brother, Donnie Puliselich. Over 20 years ago, when I was just a teenager, Donnie was the strong 20-something year-old super dedicated student who could tap me with one hand, and I always wanted to be as good as him (something I wish I would have told him but never did).
Most people quit jiu-jitsu when their bodies begin to age, but Donnie didn’t, he simply kept modifying his approach and his definition of victory in order to keep enjoying his time on the mat. I always admired him for that, and I hope I can do the same.
Donnie battled with depression, something we weren’t aware of because it was never evident when he was on the mat. Unfortunately, he lost the battle last week. For me personally, this serves as an incredibly sad reminder of the many faces of depression, and that we never know what people are going through.
As I’m sure everyone has felt who has lost a loved one to depression, I wish I would have done a better job to let Donnie know that he could have come to me for help. To all my students, just because jiu-jitsu is the main reason we come together everyday, doesn’t mean that it’s the only reason. If you every need anything, me, Ryron, and the rest of our instructors are here for you.
For those who knew Donnie, the funeral is Tuesday 1/23 at 11:30am at Green Hills Memorial (27501 S Western Ave, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275).
Incidents like this are a sobering reminder that while bjj might help it’s by no mean a solution to a very brutal problem.
According to the last study done by the American Foundation For Suicide Prevention,[6] in 2014 suicide was the 10th leading cause of death in the US. Moreover, each year 44,193 Americans die by suicide, imposing a cost of $51 billion to the US annually. Other additional facts showed by the study were:[6]
- The annual age-adjusted suicide rate is 13.26 per 100,000 individuals.
- Men die by suicide 3.5x more often than women.
- Women attempt suicide 2x more often than men.
- On average, there are 121 suicides per day.
- White males accounted for 7 of 10 suicides in 2015.
- Firearms account for almost 50% of all suicides.
- The rate of suicide is highest in middle age—white men in particular.
If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard time, you can be the difference in getting them the help they need.
Never keep it a secret if a friend tells you about a plan to hurt themselves. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) so that you can find out what resources are available in your area, or encourage your loved one to call. Calls are routed to the Lifeline center closest to your area code that can provide you with local resources.
Demi Lovato Recommends BJJ As A Way To Improve Confidence & To Deal With Mental Issues
