In memory of Dustin

Tragedy and Heartache


June 30th, 2018, couldn't have been any better. Alicia Haseman and Dustin Doty were head over heels for one another. They professed their love and devotion on the Oregon Coast surrounded by family and friends who all celebrated their wedding alongside them. Shortly after that, they left Washington behind to begin their new life as husband and wife. They moved to Glendale, Arizona, where they could be closer to Dustin's young daughter, Tatum. Tatum was surrounded by endless love from her Dad and her new step-Mom, (whom she fondly referred to as "Mom-Leasha").


Alicia worked as a first-grade teacher, and Dustin was working on finishing up on his Elevator Apprentice Program. They purchased a lovely new home in a great neighborhood, with a beautiful back yard and pool for Tatum. The excitement about their commitment to work together on building a wonderful life was fresh in the air.  Dustin and Alicia traveled often and did their best to enjoy what life gave them. Like most couples there were compromises and working together was at the forefront and a must to build a happy and healthy home, and they were happy with their family and home. Dustin and Alicia had vowed to continue working together and were so happy they had found one another.  


Over time, as they worked to build a life together, Dustin and Alicia began working toward their goals of being happy and healthy, both mentally and physically for their family.  As they each sought out therapists, to work through past life events, Dustin was diagnosed with mental illness, PTSD (PTD), depression, and anxiety. The doctors prescribed medications to help navigate through what Dustin was trying to heal.  Dustin hated being on the medicine and was trying so hard to get off the medication, but the reality of getting off the prescription drugs led to darker thoughts that were eventually beyond his control.  Alicia loved Dustin so much and would never leave his side.  They were always working together to try to develop the best relationship and family dynamic they could, therefore they felt that seeking guidance from doctors was a solid option for them.  


Alicia did everything she could to make Dustin happy and he was.  Unfortunately, Dustin could not overcome what haunted him. On Wednesday, August 19th, 2020, Dustin took his own life.  Mental health is a real crisis and seeking the correct help, working through demons that haunt us, and making our mind and bodies right is necessary.


Dustin left behind not only his beautiful and supportive wife but also his four-year-old daughter Tatum.


In a blink of an eye, Alicia lost her husband. It wasn't until the fog cleared a little that she realized, that wasn't all she had lost in that single instant. Alicia is losing their home, income, and possibly Tatum, who she has grown to love as her own, and who relied on "Mom-Leasha" for stability. Any savings that they had are nearly exhausted from covering expenses. 


With the traumatic events of that day so fresh, real, and raw, and with the terrifying uncertainty of what life will look like moving forward for Alicia, she focuses on laying her husband to rest. She struggles to close her eyes and sleep at night. Her emotions come in waves. But at the forefront of her mind is her steadfast desire to maintain a meaningful long-term relationship with Tatum and hold on to the home they loved as a family. Dustin was so proud of their home and what they were building.


Nothing will restore Alicia and Tatum's life to what it once was. Nothing will replace the hopes and dreams they all shared. But with our combined help, we can ensure a small bit of security and happiness for Alicia and Tatum, moving forward. She was an amazing wife and mother, and now everything is being taken.


In Loving Memory of Dustin Doty, for his two girls ~ Alicia & Tatum. Please donate whatever you can to help Alicia retain her strong and loving bond with Tatum. 


Funds will help Alicia fight to keep her home, help her during her absence from work so that she can take the proper time to grieve and begin the healing process - whatever that looks like, as her heartache may require several paths.


In closing, please remember to tell those you love each day how much they mean to you, and if you know someone in crisis, try to get them to seek help, just as Alicia had been trying with Dustin, and Dustin has been trying to do for himself.  Never stop trying. Never give up on yourself or those you love. 


If you or someone you know needs support, please call the crisis hotline at 1-800-273-TALK