In the wake of the passing by suicide of our beloved Rhys Matthew Barnett, we may not immediately recognize the trauma, the hurt, the suffering of those who are present and witness such events. Our loved ones and family members Aurora, Karen, Faith, Elijah, and Daniel Rankin, along with Aurora's fiance Ian, were unfortunately present when Rhys left this earthly world. They also experienced the aftermath of this event which no person should ever have to bear witness to.

This family moved to Lehi, Utah in May with the goal of pursuing fulfilling work and education. However: the night of August 11th, 2021 changed their worlds permanently. Their own backyard, normally a place of relaxation and gardening, now reminds them of the worst night of their lives. They sought to be helpful and to provide Rhys with comfort that evening, and the events that transpired that night were a shock and a surprise to all involved. Sadly they are all now suffering as a result, and the reminders are inescapable.

While their house in Lehi was formerly a wonderful place to live, it now has a dark shadow of loss and pain cast upon it. Their house does not feel like a home anymore. It bears the permanent reminder of the loss of one of their most beloved family members. All involved now wish to move so that they may have a fresh start. Young Elijah, only 9 years old, witnessed events that no child should ever see. With a new school year starting, he has already started showing behavior consistent with trauma. Psychological research tells us that those who witness suicides are at greater risk for depression, self-harm, and other negative outcomes. We wish to avoid these outcomes at all possible costs and find different surroundings for our affected family members, as well as to encourage and facilitate mental health treatment.

Aurora is a strong, educated, and independent woman who did not ask to be at the epicenter of this regrettable event. She wanted to take care of this on her own after handling a situation that most people never experience. But: it is more than she and her family can bear. This is what community, what family, what friends are for. We come together to help those in need. It is our goal to come together now to help Aurora and company move to somewhere that they feel safe. These funds will ensure that Aurora and her family move somewhere that they can feel comfortable in their own home, somewhere with a lovely backyard and garden; somewhere to make new, happier memories. Any funds beyond that required for breaking their current lease and moving will go forward to their own mental health treatment.

To those that have already donated to the Barnett Family Memorial Fund and are now reading this, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your time and loving generosity. It means the world to us.

May Rhys rest in peace, and may he be remembered as the joyful and loving person we all adored. Thank you.