FAYETTEVILLE-MANLIUS CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT – Hundreds of members of the Fayetteville-Manlius community came together on Wednesday night to pay their respects to Jay Lu, a sophomore who died by suicide on Friday, March 25.
The candlelight vigil, which took place on the F-M football field, was organized by a group of Lu’s friends. As the sun set on the cold and windy evening the crowd of students, parents, teachers and others in the F-M community formed a horseshoe facing the south endzone, where those most familiar with him shared their memories of their time with Lu.
They described him as someone who was quick with a smile who enjoyed joking around, but also had a serious side to him that came out in quieter moments. He was a reliable friend, they said, who was always there when he was needed.
“He was that one kid in class you could always rely on to make you laugh,” said Eric Yao. “As a friend, I could speak to him about anything.”
Lu was described as a good student who participated in a variety of activities including Science Olympiad, The Buzz, Math League, Mock Trial and Chamber Orchestra.
“He had the unique ability to make new friends no matter where he was and who he was with,” Yao said. “Jay remains in every one of his friends’ and family members’ hearts.”
Nearly all the speakers at the vigil talked about the importance of reaching out to those who are suffering with mental health challenges to let them know you care.
“And for those who are struggling, please reach out to someone,” Yao said.
The cause of Lu’s death was made public at the request of the family, according to an email sent to students and parents from F-M High School Principal Ray Kilmer.
“Jay’s family believed it was important for the community to know how he passed away, in hopes that it could make a difference for other students and families,” he wrote.
If you are in crisis, call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Crisis workers are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.