Tragic Loss of Two Transgender Teenagers at California School
In a heartbreaking sequence of events, two transgender teenagers who were close friends at the same California school have died by suicide less than a year apart. Summer Devi Mehta, a 17-year-old junior at Palo Alto High School in the Bay Area, stepped into the path of a Caltrain on February 3. Just ten months later, her classmate and best friend, 15-year-old Ash He, who identified as non-binary, died in the same tragic manner.
A Plea for Awareness in a Suicide Note
Mehta left behind a suicide note expressing her hope that her death would bring people together and raise critical awareness about the suicide crisis devastating the transgender community. Her family, who discovered the letter, shared a deeply moving tribute through The Trevor Project, a prominent LGBTQ+ suicide prevention charity.
The world was a terrifying place for her as a transgender, autistic woman. It should not have been, Mehta's grieving relatives wrote. It should have recognized her for the wonderful, radiant, and profoundly empathetic person she truly was.
Struggles with Depression and Grief
According to her family, Mehta battled severe depression while also grappling with the immense loss of her best friend, Ash He. All Summer wanted was to bring happiness to the people in her life and to be a good kid, a good friend, a good sister, and a good daughter, her family explained. Sadly, her brain convinced her she was failing at this, even though she absolutely was succeeding.
Described as the life of our lives, Mehta had been trying so hard to cope with He's death and continue to find happiness. Her family emphasized her desire to make the world a better place, noting she did everything possible to achieve that goal.
A Call for Action and Fundraising
In her final letter, Mehta also expressed a wish to raise $1 million for The Trevor Project. Her family underscored the urgency of the situation, stating, This should never happen to anyone, ever again, and yet every 40 seconds it does. They highlighted that suicide is a leading killer of youth globally, with the crisis being particularly acute for transgender individuals.
Mehta had voiced fears about how the world was treating the trans community. Summer's life held immense meaning for so many people, her family said. She wanted her death to have a lasting impact on the suicide prevention movement, especially for trans suicide prevention. We all love and miss her dearly.
Remembering a Vibrant and Kind Soul
Mehta was remembered as incredibly kind, bright, and passionate, with loves including Dungeons and Dragons, theatre, her dogs, Minecraft, and her family and friends. A friend on Facebook described her as a ball of light, recalling her transition in 2022 into her real, vibrant self. Another theatre student called her a lovely soul who should still be shining her light, expressing anger that anyone could push someone to feel death is the only escape from pain.
Community Response and Support
The Palo Alto Educators Association expressed deep sadness over the loss and urged anyone struggling with mental health to call 988 to speak with a counselor. The teachers of Palo Alto Unified School District care deeply about our students. You are perfect just the way you are, their statement read.
Mehta is survived by her parents, Monica Gupta Mehta and Nick Mehta, her sister Asha, brother Leo, and other extended family members. Nothing can compensate for Summer's death, but we hope it can at least serve as a catalyst to make the world a kinder place and prevent others from dying in this way, they wrote.
Honoring Ash He's Memory
Ash He, Mehta's best friend, was remembered as someone who brought light, creativity, and joy to those around them. A GoFundMe for their family noted He's deep passion for art and theatre, using their immense talent to express themselves and unite people. Ash's kindness, creativity, and spirit touched so many lives, it said.
In an update, a family friend stressed that depression is not a weakness but a serious, often silent struggle affecting many. Ash's story reminds us that behind every challenge is a person deserving of compassion, understanding, and unwavering support.
For immediate help, individuals are encouraged to call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
