POULSBO — The Kitsap County Coroner determined Sept. 17 that Benjamin S. Park died first, of a bullet to the head. His wife, Marilyn, died next in the same manner.
Their bodies were found Sept. 15, lying next to each other in bed, in their travel-trailer at Rhododendron Mobile Park off Clear Creek Road near Highway 308.
Benjamin was 30, Marilyn 28.
Officially, it’s being called a homicide-suicide. According to sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson, mental health and depression were apparent factors.
“There’s always help out there,” Wilson said of those struggling with depression. “For those who are family members or close friends, if you notice or hear something — whether it be intent or ideation — please don’t ignore it. All it takes is a phone call and you can get [help]. Even if it’s 911, you’ll get someone to respond.”
Wilson said Benjamin Park’s father found the couple’s bodies. The manager of the mobile park said the couple were living there to save money. “They were well-liked folks and didn’t have any problems here. It’s just shocking.”
The couple’s individual Facebook pages were still online on Sept. 17. In a way that only social media can, each page gave a glimpse into their lives — both were devoted to their families, their friends, and each other.
Marilyn’s Facebook cover photo shows the couple on their wedding day, in an embrace and kiss, the bride lovely in white dress and holding a bouquet.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS COMMUNITY WALK
According to the Kitsap Health District, More than 30 people will commit suicide in Kitsap County this year.
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention wants to reduce the annual suicide rate nationwide 20 percent by 2025. A local event, the Out of the Darkness Community Walk, raises awareness and support for that effort. It’s scheduled 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 19 at Raab Park in Poulsbo.
The event is organized by Jackie Briere and Christine Wilson, who have lost loved ones to suicide.
“There’s a stigma that it’s not something to talk about,” Briere said in an earlier interview. “When someone has a problem with depression, people think that they shouldn’t talk about it. A person dies by suicide every 14 minutes in the U.S. It’s mostly because of that stigma.”
She added, “It’s OK to have these feelings; it’s normal. But talk to somebody and get advice. Don’t take that last step. There’s an entire organization to help people out. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention wants to help.”
CALL FOR HELP
From the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: If you are thinking about suicide, don’t do anything to hurt yourself and immediately ask someone for help. Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). That’s the number of the National Suicide Prevention Hotline. There’s a caring person on the line who wants to help you. You can also call 911 and tell them you feel suicidal, or go to the emergency room of the hospital closest to you.
From the National Institute of Mental Health: If you have a family member or friend who might be suicidal, don’t leave him or her alone. Take seriously any comments about suicide or wishing to die; even if you don’t think your family member or friend will actually attempt suicide, he or she is clearly in distress. Try to get them to seek help from an emergency room, physician or mental health professional.
