On Sunday, February 2nd, Jared Beardsley’s mother and father Laura and Jim received terrible news no parents ever want to hear when they learned his body had been found. This brought to end a month-long search following his mysterious disappearance on January 5 on a very cold wintery day with a snow-storm brewing in Bellville, Ohio.

From the beginning Jared’s disappearance left his parents and authorities puzzled. Why would a healthy young man with a vibrant future choose to leave no trace and disappear. Was it foul play or a deliberate choice to start a new life or something else?

Like many young people, Jared struggled to make sense of the chaos in the world. An extremely tech savvy young man, Jared obtained his associates degree in Integrated Engineering Technology. He was drawn to solving problems and game design. In his personal life, Jared was surrounded by parents and a sister who loved him, supported him and encouraged his dreams. And he was the best uncle ever to his little nephew.

Outwardly Jared was attentive, always putting the needs of his family ahead of himself. He loved his family and didn’t rock the boat. But below the surface, we now know that he was struggling much more than he ever let on. The month where Jared was missing led his distraught family to look much deeper trying to sort through his disappearance. The world didn’t make sense…he struggled to find his voice…to let his family know just how dark things felt on the inside. He carried the weight of the world alone.

On Sunday, when Jared was found, his death was ruled a suicide . While finding Jared closes out one mystery, he leaves behind a family that dearly loved him and faces moving forward without him.

I knew Jared many years ago when he was part of our homeschool group and he was friends with our son. He was brilliant, funny and kind. I wish I could tell him that now. Like many others, I wish he knew that he didn’t need to walk in the darkness alone.

I can’t tell him that now but we as a community can surround this family and help them with Jared’s final expenses and celebration of life. If you feel led, please give. The family is extremely grateful for your help. No one should go through this alone.

It is an honor to celebrate the 25 years Jared blessed those around him with love, kindness and care.

Please continue to pray for Jared’s family and thank you for giving.

[If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call The Suicide and Crisis hotline @ 988. Tell your family and friends that you are struggling. They want to know. Don’t walk alone.]