Father Honors Son Lost to Suicide by Raising Mental Health Awareness

Remembering Preston Logan Jones

• 💔 Preston Logan Jones, an 18-year-old, tragically died by suicide, leaving his father, Tony Jones, to share his story during Mental Health Awareness Month.
• 🌟 Preston is remembered as a joyful young man who loved people, sports, and socializing, always making his friends laugh.
• 🏅 He was a talented athlete, excelling in baseball, football, basketball, and lacrosse, and was known for his compassion and empathy even on the field.

The Impact of a Car Accident and Mental Health Struggles

• 🚗 On April 23rd, 2023, Preston survived a severe car accident, sustaining critical injuries including a lacerated spleen and bleeding around his brain.
• 🗣️ Upon waking, Preston confessed to his father that the accident was intentional, a revelation that deeply impacted his family.
• 🧠 The family sought help for Preston, discovering his struggles with disappointment and coping mechanisms, particularly his fear of letting others down.

College, Regret, and a Tragic Loss

• 🎓 Preston attended FSU for college, assuring his family he was doing well and expressing regret for his first suicide attempt.
• 🌃 Despite reassurances, on October 13th, 2024, Preston died by suicide after his car veered off the road and overturned.
• 🧠 Tony believes Preston suffered from a mental illness, possibly with a genetic component, noting family history of mental health challenges.

Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

• 🗣️ Tony is now speaking out at local schools to encourage teens not to suffer in silence and to seek help.
• 📱 He highlights the negative impact of social media, where comparison is the thief of joy, and urges open conversations about mental well-being.
• 📞 Tony emphasizes that it's okay to not be okay and encourages seeking support through resources like the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay by calling 211.