Two weeks have now passed since the tragic passing of Jessie Williams , 19, who died of a drug overdose in her own home in Riverbend, WA.

There was no history of mental illness or any apparent signs of mental decline prior to that Tuesday-night when the small community of Riverbend lost a loved and upstanding member of society.
The popular and talented young woman was an aspiring law student at Seattle University and worked part-time as a barista in a small coffee shop down 12th Avenue.

The death - ruled as suicide - came as a shock for the small community of Riverbend where the Williams family owned a popular dinner. Those who knew Jessie only hold loving and caring stories of a young woman who fought for civil rights and equality and who never said no when someone needed help.

It was her father Richard Williams, 53, who found his daughter unconscious on the bedroom floor in the small apartment on the night of February the 4th after he had received a worrisome call from his oldest daughter Liz.
Liz had grown worried when her sister Jessie failed to return her calls and messages, something she “...usually did in a timely manner.” according to Liz.
EMT arrived shortly after her father had discovered her lifeless body but attempts of resuscitation were unfortunately in vain and she was declared deceased on site.

“Jessie wasn't perhaps the most social girl out there but she stood very close to her older sister. Apparently they had planned an evening out together the day after and… Well, it wasn't normal for Jessie to not return Liz's calls…” her father says.
“She was the sweetest girl who’d never wish harm upon anyone and I can’t phantom what was going through her mind that night. She was open about most things, at least to us and... It just came from nowhere.”

The funeral will take place this Saturday at 11.30 am. The Williams family has decided to keep the funeral open to the general public and they are also donating money to the Youth Suicide Prevention Program.

Mental illness is undiscriminating and unforgiving and it can affect anyone. It doesn’t care about age, nationality or heritage. It punishes anyone and everyone in its surrounding. But there is help to receive. If you, or anyone close is in need of help - please contact:

Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255