Walking for AJ: One man’s 2,560 mile journey against silence, stigma, and suicide
Share and Follow


Editor’s Note: This article contains discussions of suicide. Reader discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can find resources in your area on the National Crisis Line website or by calling 988.

AUSTIN (KXAN) For Alex Bradley, fitness has always been about more than exercise. As a coach, he’s passionate about movement and the belief that we are better together than alone. But behind his drive lies a painful story, one that changed him forever.

A friendship that shaped a life

Bradley met AJ Johnson in middle school, but it was their freshman year in high school when the two became closer friends. AJ was full of energy, a natural entertainer who dreamed of being an actor. He had a gift for making people laugh, and even after moving to Chicago, the two stayed close.

But on Feb. 7, 2021, everything changed. AJ died by suicide at just 25-years-old. The news devastated his friend.

In 2023, one person died every 11 minutes from suicide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Suicides among men in that same year were almost four times higher than those among women, according to the CDC.

Looking back at the signs

In hindsight, Bradley now sees the subtle ways AJ had been reaching out.

Posts on social media carried hints of self-doubt, a quiet dimming of the glimmer that once defined him—just the day before AJ’s death, the two spent hours on the phone. Bradley was dealing with his divorce at the time and didn’t realize it would be their last conversation.

The Next Step Movement

Out of his grief, Bradley has chosen to create purpose. To honor AJ’s memory and raise awareness for mental health, he is embarking on a walk from Austin, Texas, to Oregon City, Oregon. This is a staggering 2,560-mile walk.

“This isn’t just a walk,” Bradley said. “It’s a revolution against silence, stigma, and suicide.”

Carrying AJ’s light forward

Along the trek, Bradley plans to host community events, share stories, and create spaces for open conversations about mental health. He is seeking support to cover meals, hydration, and outreach efforts as he takes this mission on the road. Bradley set up a GoFundMe with information about his mission.

For Bradley, it’s not only about reaching Oregon. It’s about carrying AJ’s light forward one step, one story, one life at a time.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
More than 500 arrests made under Florida's 'Super Speeder' law

Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ Law Leads to Over 500 Arrests: A Crackdown on Dangerous Driving

Since its implementation on July 1, 2025, Florida’s ‘Super Speeder’ law has…
Soybean farmers 'grateful' for Trump's trade deal with China

Soybean Farmers Reap Rewards from Trump’s Landmark China Trade Deal

In a significant development for American agriculture, China has agreed to resume…
Kendall Jenner makes rare comment about Caitlyn's 'different views'

Kendall Jenner Opens Up About Her Unique Perspective on Caitlyn’s Views

Kendall Jenner has revealed the challenges she faces in dealing with Caitlyn…
Andrew LOSES Prince title and is forced out of Royal Lodge

Prince Andrew Stripped of Title and Evicted from Royal Lodge in Major Royal Shake-Up

Andrew has been stripped of his princely title and will vacate Royal…
Pig butchering: 'Wrong number' text causes California man to lose $1 million in crypto investment romance scam

Shocking Crypto Scam: California Man Loses $1 Million to ‘Pig Butchering’ Romance Hoax

In Brentwood, California, a retired businessman facing the profound grief of losing…
Aide to Mass Gov. Healey charged in cocaine trafficking scheme allegedly linked to state office building

Top Aide to Massachusetts Governor Healey Arrested in Shocking Cocaine Trafficking Scandal Tied to State Office

An aide to Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey has been taken into custody…
Chicago school welcomes back first grader who underwent heart transplant

Heartwarming Return: Chicago First Grader Triumphs After Life-Saving Heart Transplant

In an uplifting scene at Peck Elementary School in Chicago’s South Side,…
Vestavia Hills Police Department clears package feared to be an explosive device that had been brought to the station

Vestavia Hills Police Safely Neutralize Suspicious Package at Station, Confirm No Explosive Threat

VESTAVIA HILLS, Ala. (WIAT) — The Vestavia Hills Police Department has successfully…