This is something no parent should ever have to write. Early Sunday morning, our son Sahmari Cromer was taken from us. He was only 29 years old.

Sahmari’s light never dimmed. He was tremendously intelligent, thoughtful, and full of love. Even as he battled mental illness, he found ways to make people laugh, to show compassion, and to remind us of the brilliance inside him. His struggle did not define him. What defined him was his heart, his humor, and his hope.

But we also have to be honest: the system failed our son. He didn’t get the consistent help, care, or understanding he needed. We believe that if he had received proper mental health support, he would still be here today. That truth hurts deeply. This isn’t only about one life lost, it’s about a system that needs to be rebuilt so no other family has to feel this pain. Mental health awareness must become more than talk it has to become action.

We are heartbroken beyond words. Losing a child changes everything, and losing our only son has left a space nothing can fill. We don’t have insurance or funds set aside for something like this, but we are doing our best to honor Sahmari’s life with dignity and love. We’re asking for help to raise $15,000 to cover funeral and burial expenses, and to give him the homegoing he deserves.

It’s not easy to ask for help, but right now, we need our community. If you can give, thank you. If you can’t, please share this and pray for our family.

Sahmari’s life mattered. His story should remind us all that mental illness deserves care, not judgment, and that every person fighting unseen battles deserves to live.

With love and gratitude,

The Cromer and Bell Family