Devon Richardson, 14-year-old was said to have committed suicide. Her parents are said to have carried out a memorial service for their daughter which is likely to save other young lives.

This service had been held in Ottawa's hockey arena last week, where some extraordinary 5,600 people took part. Devon's father Luke Richardson is reportedly an assistant coach of the Senators there. The family is said to have broken the taboo around suicide in front of a thousand people.

Reports have suggested that suicide is the second-leading cause of death for young people between 10 and 24. This matter has been talked about very little and this is one of the reasons which ahs resulted in young people taking their lives.

The stigma which has been surrounding suicide for so long is an enormous barrier to prevention. There is very less who admit the fact that a member of their family or their child has been lost to suicide.

Former finance minister and ambassador to Washington Michael Wilson, reportedly praised the Richardson family for their openness, saying it would encourage others to acknowledge mental illness within their families.