There is more than enough tragedy to go around as a result of a drunk driving accident in Houston several weeks ago. An evening that began as a birthday celebration ended with horrific consequences.
According to the official police report four girls were on their way home when the driver of another vehicle ran a red light and crashed into the Excursion - ejecting two girls from the vehicle who died at the scene. A third female died at the hospital later that night. One young lady, survived the accident.
The blood alcohol content of the driver indicated that he was legally intoxicated.
The young girl who survived killed herself with a shotgun wound to her chest this week.
Experts are now pointing out that a lack of access to counseling support after the accident is directly correlated to this young lady's suicide - and who, in hind sight, could disagree?
Her struggle with survivor's guilt was well documented on her computer. Her overwhelming depression may have masked suicidal tendencies that professional counselors are trained to identify and treat. Professionals point out that those who choose to end their own lives usually do not do so because of a desire to end their own life - but more often to end the emotional pain from which they suffer.
There are a number of counseling services in the greater Houston area whose services are free to the community. These include Family Services of Greater Houston and the Texas Department of State Health Services. If you suspect someone is considering suicide do not hesitate to contact these organizations for support.
This terrible tragedy is a warning to all of us that signs of depression or need for help may not be that easy to recognize.
Greg Baumgartner is a Houston personal injury attorney and the founder of the Houston personal injury law firm the Baumgartner firm.
