After someone dies by suicide, people may be affected in different ways. It is important that anyone can describe their own experience in a way that feels right for them – whether they see themselves as bereaved, impacted or affected. Some people may describe their experience as lived or living experience.

Support should be available for everyone who needs it, not just those described as bereaved. People can react in many different ways after a death by suicide. This can include anger, grief, guilt, silence or withdrawal. Some will be more affected than others. Some may seem dismissive or frustrated if it affects training or day-to-day activity. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and no set timeframe for these reactions. Recognising this range of responses helps people understand how complex this can be.

It is also important to remember that people may also be affected by suicide in other ways, including:

• Having their own thoughts of suicide 

• Supporting someone through a crisis

• Witnessing a suicide or attempt

All of these experiences can be traumatic and long-lasting. It is important that appropriate support is available.

THE IMPACT OF SUICIDE 

Sports organisations can be impacted by suicide in different ways:

• A bereaved individual

• The death of a teammate or colleague

• A suicide or attempt linked to the club or environment

• Someone witnessing a suicide or attempt

When a death by suicide occurs, this impact can spread quickly. Teams, clubs and supporters are closely connected networks, and news can travel rapidly through social media and sporting communities. Sports fans are particularly eager for news on their chosen teams and sportspeople. They feel both good and bad news relating to these more strongly because of this connection. This means sport organisations are often directly affected and well placed to respond.

In sport, where identity, routine and performance are central, the impact can be especially significant. People bereaved by suicide are also at:

• Higher risk of difficulties associated with mental health

• Greater risk of suicide and self-harm

• Lower likelihood of seeking support, often due to stigma

Every organisation should have thought through how they will respond and have a process in place ahead of time, should they ever be impacted by suicide. This should include:

• Clear plans and roles in place for the response (including for when a suicide attempt happens and there is an urgent need for support) and to learn from what has happened
• A single point of contact for mass communication. Follow a pre-agreed communication plan to make contact with family, friends, other close contacts and the wider community as well as how to respond to any media interest
• A named person leading on support
• Clear support routes, starting with those closest
• Awareness of the wider network affected (teams, staff, supporters, community)
• Awareness of appropriate language

For more information on how to safely report on suicide, see Samaritans Media Guidelines.

HOW TO RESPOND

When a death occurs, it is critical to create a safe and supportive environment. You should:

• Communicate carefully and consistently
• Liaise with family or next of kin where appropriate
• Avoid sharing unnecessary details about the death especially how or where the person died
• Avoid glorifying, over sharing or speculating on cause
• Offer support to those directly and indirectly affected
• Avoid public blame

There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ response. Support should be:

HOW TO COMMUNICATE

When a loss through suicide has occurred within a team, club or organisation, how you communicate matters. Organisations should:

• Focus on the person’s life, not the details of their death
• Use sensitive, non-stigmatising language
• Not be afraid to use the term suspected suicide, whilst being respectful of the family and their wishes
• Share memories where appropriate
• Be especially aware around anniversaries and key dates
• Respect confidentiality and reminding people about this
• Check in regularly with those affected
• Recognise that grief can change and evolve over time
• Understand that people move between sport, work and home, carrying their experiences with them

News of the death of a sportsperson can spread quickly amongst the wider community. Timely communication with team members avoids speculation. This should come from a named person and be compassionate, personal and signpost to a number of sources of support.

PRACTICAL SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS

In addition to possible internal support, there are third party support services available across the UK, including:

RESPONSIBLE REPORTING OF DEATHS

The death of a widely known sportsperson may have the impact of a celebrity death and more local players can have a huge impact across communities. People often find sportspeople accessible and relatable and therefore they are often more rooted in communities and social environments. Below an elite level there may also be a more personal connection, i.e. you knew them, you watched them perform regularly, or at one point in life you held aspirations to be on the same stage as them.

Media coverage can directly influence suicide rates through what is known as the “Werther Effect” -where sensationalised or detailed reporting can lead to imitation. In contrast, the “Papageno Effect” reduces suicide risk by promoting hope and help-seeking through responsible reporting. Responsible Reporting = Suicide Prevention.

When a sports personality dies – especially if suicide is suspected – media reporting can become a public health issue. A sports journalist may never have written about suicide before, so they may find it helpful if you share the Samaritans Media Guidelines.

Guidance from Samaritans¹ emphasises:

• Avoid detailing the method or location

• Avoid sensationalising or normalising suicide

• Oversimplifying causes (e.g. “he lost a match and took his life”)

• Glamourising or romanticising the death

• Repetitive, sensational headlines