The loss of a child to suicide is a heartbreak no family is ever prepared for. At just 12 years old, life is still supposed to be unfolding — filled with possibility, curiosity, and dreams not yet fully formed. For one Alabama family, that future was tragically cut short.

In February 2026, 12-year-old Lindsey Mae Swan from Huntsville, Alabama, died by suicide. Now, her family is sharing her story publicly, hoping that in their grief, they might help save another child.

Lindsey — lovingly known as “Sweet Pea” and “Stitch” — was remembered as vibrant, intelligent, and fiercely protective of those she loved. Her mother, Brittany Booth, described her as someone who stood up for others who were too afraid to speak for themselves. If someone tried to bully her friends or siblings, Lindsey stepped in without hesitation.

She was a student at Mountain Gap Middle School and deeply involved in school and community life. Lindsey sang in choir, participated in the Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) team, and was rehearsing for a role in The Lion King with Around The Curtain children’s theater. Outside the classroom, she loved volleyball, gymnastics, hiking, dancing, the beach, and caring for animals.

By all outward appearances, she was thriving.

But like many children, Lindsey carried burdens that were not always visible.

Four years earlier, she had lost her father, Joseph Laughery. According to her mother, that loss affected her deeply. Grief at such a young age can settle quietly, shaping emotions in ways even adults struggle to articulate.

At the same time, Lindsey reportedly faced bullying at school. Her mother said some classmates mocked her and used her father’s death as a way to hurt her — a cruelty that compounded her private pain.

Even amid her struggles, Lindsey remained a source of comfort to others. Her mother recalled that while she herself tried to “smile through stress and sorrow,” Lindsey could sense when something was wrong and would step in with reassurance and love.

In the aftermath of her passing, Lindsey’s family revealed something particularly difficult: she had reportedly shared her intentions with friends months earlier. Her mother believes that if an adult had been alerted, intervention might have been possible.

In her final journal entry, Lindsey left words that her family now hopes will serve as a message to others:

“It’s too late for me. Please talk to someone even if they act or look OK. They might make it because of you.”

Those words have become a call to action for her family.

Her stepfather, Jason Booth, has spoken openly about the stigma that often surrounds mental health conversations, especially among young people. He emphasized that shame can prevent children and teens from asking for help — and can prevent peers from speaking up when they notice warning signs.

Mental health professionals consistently stress that talking about suicide does not increase the risk. On the contrary, open conversations can reduce isolation and create opportunities for intervention.

The statistics underscore the urgency. According to national data, millions of teens in the United States report experiencing suicidal thoughts each year. Suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people. In some states, including Alabama, teen suicide rates rank among the highest in the country.

Experts encourage families, educators, and communities to watch for warning signs, which may include:

• Withdrawal from friends or activities

• Changes in mood or personality

• Expressions of hopelessness

• Talking about feeling like a burden

• Giving away belongings or saying goodbye

Importantly, children who appear high-achieving, socially active, or outwardly cheerful can still be struggling internally. Lindsey’s final message highlights that painful reality: someone may look “OK” and still be fighting a battle no one sees.

Her family has established a GoFundMe to assist with expenses and to honor her memory. More than anything, they hope her story encourages vigilance, compassion, and open dialogue.

The loss of a child sends shockwaves through families, schools, and entire communities. It leaves behind unanswered questions and a grief that does not fade easily. But if Lindsey’s words prompt even one person to check in on a struggling friend, tell a trusted adult, or ask for help themselves, her family believes her voice can still make a difference.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day. If you are outside the U.S., local health services can provide country-specific crisis resources.

Lindsey’s life was short, but the message she left behind is clear: noticing the signs, speaking up, and reaching out can save lives.