Nadine Lustre's brother has allegedly died of apparent suicide, according to reports.
On October 8, Isaiah Lustre, 16, was found lifeless in their Quezon City home. CNN reports that police found an empty shell from a .38 caliber gun and that the Lustre family did not grant the QCPD's request for an investigation because they were certain the teen had taken his own life.
Isaiah was reportedly rushed by his family and neighbors to the Pacific Global Medical Center after he shot himself twice, but he was declared dead on arrival.
Nadine Lustre's brother was said to have been withdrawn and sad days before taking his own life
Nadine's other siblings told Journal that Isaiah didn't seem to be going through any extreme problems, but they did notice how withdrawn and sad he had been, choosing to lock himself up in his room, a few days leading up to his death.
Nadine's aunt--her dad's cousin--Nona Clemente confirmed the tragic news on Twitter, requesting for prayers for Isaiah. She also thanked those who condoled with them, writing: "Thank you all for the love and prayers. May we respectfully request to allow us to have this one last time with our dear Isaiah privately."
She appended the phrase #KeepGoing along with a semi-colon, which is also used by Project Semicolon, a global non-profit organization devoted to mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The semi-colon is meant to signify that "there is more to come" to provide encouragement to those battling depression, reminding them that "their stories aren't over yet."
For her part, Nadine shared a series of stories on Instagram, writing: "You are stronger than depression." and "Keep going."
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Lustre family in this tragic time.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with depression or suicidal tendencies, there are organizations that would be willing to help you. One such organization is the Natasha Goulbourn Foundation. You can contact them through the numbers below.
Information and Crisis Intervention Center
(02) 804-HOPE (4673)
(0917) 558-HOPE (4673) or (02) 211-4550
(0917) 852-HOPE (4673) or (02) 964-6876
(0917) 842-HOPE (4673) or (02) 964-4084
In Touch Crisis Lines
(0917) 572-HOPE or (02) 211-1305
(02) 893-7606 (24/7)
(02) 893-7603 (Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm)
(0917) 800-1123 or (02) 506-7314
(0922) 893-8944 or (02) 346-8776
READ: Talking to your kids about suicide can help save a life