City in mourning over loss of Tyler Shepard, who took his own life on Monday

Tyler Shepard (Courtesy photo/Gofundme)

ROCHESTER - The city of Rochester is grieving today after learning on Thursday that a 14-year-old city boy took his own life at home earlier this week.

Tyler Shepard committed suicide "after many years of struggling" with depression, reads a Gofundme page set up to help the family with final expenses.

As of this morning $10,265 of a $10,000 goal had been raised thanks to hundreds who donated as little as $8 and as much as $400.

"After many years of struggling, depression took young Tyler at age 14. He seemed to be doing better over the summer, but took his own life on Monday," according to Mary Ballard who set up the page.

According to his obituary, Tyler played baseball and soccer while he was younger, but more recently had focused more of his attention on computers and video games.

"He loved saltine crackers covered in peanut butter and jumping on his trampoline with his little brother," Ballard wrote. "He went hiking with his family, went pumpkin and apple picking, went to the Rochester Fair and other things most of us love to do."

"I remember working with Tyler when he was in second grade. He was a very bright and caring child," commented Meghan Gadway on the Gofundme page.

Another woman by the name of Karen, tragically touched by a similar tragedy, wrote, "I know exactly what you're going through right now, and it's total hell. I lost my son 4 months ago, he took his life also. He was much older and left 2 boys, 15 & 13years old. I'm praying you will find the strength."

..According to his obituary, Tyler was a freshman at Spaulding High and was helping coach flag football with his uncle.

Spaulding High School officials sent a letter to parents on Thursday offering resources and tips to help them as their children try to cope with the awful news.

Meanwhile, grief counselors have been available at both Spaulding and Rochester Middle School since Tuesday.

On Thursday one commenter spoke to what a special boy Tyler was.

"I was lucky enough to be able to watch Tyler coach flag football and it warmed my heart," wrote Erin Libby of Rochester. "Seeing a young man spending quality time with his uncle and giving up his time as a teenager to coach late night football games for a bunch of wild 9 year old boys was such a sweet surprise for me.

"Tyler was showing these boys how to grow up to be a true gentleman, you could tell that he really enjoyed coaching! Tyler was so kind and caring, you could see it from the stands."

Memorial calling hours for Tyler will be held Monday October 29^th from 4-8 in the chapel of the R.M. Edgerly & Son Funeral Home, 86 South Main St, Rochester NH 03867.

Private burial will be in the Rochester Cemetery.

The Gofundme page can be viewed here.