Mom Shares Heartbreaking Truth After Losing Son to Suicide: ‘People Were Cruel to Him’

In a tragic event, Zackary “Zack” Born, a 19-year-old from Maricopa, Arizona, took his own life on September 4, 2024. Known for his love of skateboarding and ambition to compete in mixed martial arts, he faced significant challenges, including autism and depression. He also carried the scars of a past house fire that left him severely burned from the waist down.

Despite his struggles, Zack left a legacy of hope by donating three heart valves to science. His mother, Patty Born, a psychiatric nurse practitioner, emphasized the importance of organ donation, especially on the day her son passed, which coincided with Suicide Prevention Day. “It’s critical that parents have discussions with their children about becoming organ donors,” she urged.

Patty described Zack as a kind-hearted individual who often felt isolated and bullied. “Even though he was athletic and sociable, Zack struggled profoundly with his mental health and forming friendships,” she remarked. This sentiment underscores her call for increased awareness and sensitivity towards those battling depression and the adverse effects of bullying.

The conditions at Zack’s workplace added to his distress; he had experienced a reduction in hours and felt mistreated by some managers. Patty insists on the necessity for sensitivity training in such environments to foster kindness and understanding. She believes that these harsh experiences contributed significantly to his mental state leading up to his death.

Reflecting on his life, Patty mentioned that an incident two years prior—when Zack was burned in a fire—might have been a tipping point for him. “That event changed everything for him,” she noted. In a heartfelt message shared on social media, she urged others to learn from Zack’s story, advocating for kindness toward individuals who may be different or struggling.

“Teach your loved ones to be kind, especially to those who are different,” she wrote. “We are all trying to make it through this life.” Her powerful words resonate with the message that mental health is a critical issue that requires empathy and understanding from everyone.

Patty also highlighted depression as a genuine challenge, insisting on open dialogues about feelings. “Talking helps,” she explained. “It prevents emotions from festering inside.” She stresses that it’s essential for families to encourage those suffering from depression to seek help and establish connections rather than shying away from them.

In addition to advocating for sensitivity in the workplace, Patty hopes her son’s story will inspire meaningful conversations about mental health and kindness in the community. “I don’t want revenge for Zack. I want change,” she stated, calling for a collective responsibility to create a more supportive environment for all.