Articles & Testimonies

Gone Too Soon – Prayer for Josh Pacheco, Gay Michigan Teen, Committed Suicide After Intense Bullying

by | Dec 7, 2012

 

When somebody commits suicide from bullying of any kind the entire world loses.

Raising awareness and prevention by talking about suicide.

Gone too soon.

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Josh Pacheco (View the Video)

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Michigan Live.

By Sarah Schuch | [email protected] 
on December 04, 2012 at 6:00 AM, updated December 04, 2012 at 8:11 AM

 

FENTON, MI – Linden High School junior Josh Pacheco had a heart for theater and an infectious smile, but above all else he cared for others, his family said.

“My son was very funny and exceptionally sensitive and loving to other people’s feelings,” said Pacheco’s mother, Lynnette Capehart.

Pacheco, 17, committed suicide Nov. 27. His parents believe bullying is to blame.

Pacheco was part of the Fenton-based Kidz Theatre Kompany, worked at Tim Hortons, loved his advanced placement politics class and called his four siblings his best friends, Capehart said.

Pacheco also was gay, which led to him being bullied both inside and outside of school, said his mother, Lynnette Capehart.

He told his mother he was gay just two months ago, but Capehart said she wasn’t surprised and she said it made no difference to her. She loved her son just the same.

“A young man with an old soul,” even as a child he was always comfortable talking with adults, especially about plays, history and politics, Capehart said.

He left a note in the truck: “I’m sorry I wasn’t able to be strong enough.”

At least 400 people attended Pacheco’s funeral Saturday. Students and teachers from every school he attended — including Redford and Fenton, which he attended before transferring to Linden in seventh grade — were there.

And at the funeral, person after person, family and friends, spoke about Pacheco and how he made a difference in their lives. About 30 people spoke — and many more wanted to speak but there wasn’t time.

 

Always in our heart

Always a part of us

Never to be forgotten

Never to be lost

For you live on

In our memories

In our hearts

In our minds

In our souls

You are part of us

We carry you within

Always held dearly

Always held closely

Always with love.

 

* From The Whisper of Your Soul – Karen Hackel

 

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