As the Henrico County community and firefighters around Richmond mourn the sudden death of firefighter Kevin O'Connell, his family wanted to share an important message -- "reach out for help."
O'Connell, a husband and father of two, took his own life Tuesday afternoon.
The veteran firefighter was having trouble processing the horrors he saw as a part of his job, according to a public goodbye he posted on social media.
It was an issue his family addressed Thursday in an open letter posted on social media and shared by the Henrico County Division of Fire.
"Our wishes are for others who may be suffering in silence to reach out for help!" the letter read. "Please don't ever feel that you are alone. As well, if you see or suspect others may be dealing with more than they can handle, please reach out to them. Sometimes there are no obvious red flags or warning signs."