NEWTOWN, Conn. (FOX 35 ORLANDO) - The father of a child killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting was found dead on Monday from an apparent suicide, police said.
The Newtown Police Department confirmed the death of 49-year-old Jeremy Richman on Facebook. They said that although police are investigating, the death appears to be a suicide.
Richman is the founder of the Avielle Foundation, which he started after he lost his daughter in the tragic Sandy Hook school shooting. The foundation works to prevent violence by fostering brain health research, education, and policy.
Avielle Rose Richman was just one 26 children and educators killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14th, 2012.
Lt. Aaron Bahamonde with the Newtown Police Department said that the loss of Jeremy "is a heart breaking event for the Richman family and the Newtown Community as a whole, the police department's prayers are with the Richman family right now, and we ask that the family be given privacy in this most difficult time."
If you or a loved one is feeling distressed, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The crisis center provides free and confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, seven days a week to civilians and veterans. Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Or text 741-741.
This story was written out of Orlando, Florida.