If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free from anywhere in the U. Aleah showed up at practice with a clunky Giant with inch wheels, and she was well behind the other fifth-graders, who had new inch bikes and years of experience. Over the years, as many girls hit adolescence and dropped out of sports, Aleah stuck with it, and she and her coach Tricia became particularly close.
Strong and beautiful, Tricia always seemed upbeat and had a way of making each of the girls feel special. Standing 5'10", with dark wavy hair, Tricia was a beacon of athleticism and fun. She had what seemed like a full life as a bike racer, coach, and massage therapist. Intensely extroverted, she was a wellspring of enthusiasm. She wore outrageously colored pants and tutus on her rides.
When the girls rocked out to Taylor Swift, Tricia was the first to throw glitter all over the place. When they were at a restaurant and a live band struck up, she would make them get up and dance.
The girls worshipped her. Aleah was a year-old high school freshman last November when she found out that Tricia Shadell had died by suicide the evening before. Tricia had posted a cryptic message on Facebook just before she died, and word quickly spread through the small town.
Aleah is small for her age and reserved, her heart-shaped face framed by an unruly halo of light-brown curls. Shocked and numb, Aleah sat with her mom, her wide eyes beginning to tear up. Later that day, Aleah met up with her mountain biking friends. They were confused, angry, sad. How could Trish have killed herself? She always seemed so happy. Get Help If you or someone you know is considering harming themselves, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
