The suicide of a young employee has led his grieving boss to make an emotional appeal for people facing mental-health difficulties to ask for help, saying the loss left him at “breaking point”.
Walter Lucas, who worked for Little Bear Earthworks in Melbourne’s north-west, died on July 30.
The 20-year-old was remembered by his boss, Charlie Jarratt, as kind, warm-hearted and cheeky — a young man who would go out of his way to help anyone.
Mr Jarratt told the Daily Mail that he had developed a close relationship with Mr Lucas, despite the young worker having joined the business only 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 made the comments after sharing a post on social media that has since gone viral, urging people struggling with their mental health to seek 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.
Walter Lucas, 20, died by suicide on July 30
Walter Lucas’ boss, Charlie Jarratt, pictured, described learning of his death as a “gut punch”
“When this happened, the people I spoke to — friends, family, other business owners, everyone, and I mean every single f***ing one — was so supportive and lovely.
“I had blokes cancelling their work to chop me out. I had mates saying they were here for me whatever I need.
“What screwed me up though [is knowing] how many people I know have also dealt with this. Mental health is so difficult to navigate.”
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The tribute drew hundreds of comments, with many people opening up about their own mental-health struggles.
Mr Jarratt said five men contacted him within two days of the post being published. They sought support over relationship and financial problems, as well as feelings that they were not good enough.
He said people experiencing difficulties often want little more than an opportunity to be heard, and encouraged anyone wanting to learn more about mental-health initiatives to get in touch.
“It’s hard to see signs when someone isn’t showing them,” he added.
Mr Jarratt has since employed Mr Lucas’ younger brother, Edward, at his excavation business and remains in regular contact with the family.
Mr Lucas was remembered as a kind, warm-hearted and cheeky young man
Mr Lucas worked at Little Bear Earthworks for only a few months but left a lasting impression
“He’s an amazing young fella!” Mr Jarratt added.
Mr Lucas’ death came weeks after two boys from a close-knit junior rugby league club on Queensland’s Gold Coast also died by suicide.
Kaiyah Kennedy, 12, and Treyvon Te Tahi Bradshaw, 13, died six days apart, devastating their families and teammates.
A 15-year-old boy also died by suicide in western Sydney in September after reportedly enduring persistent 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.
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