ST. ALBANS, Vt. (WCAX) – A Vermont family is trying to stop suicide following their son’s death.
A.J. Holzscheiter seemed to have it all: good looks, good grades, tons of friends. He excelled in sports and loved music. But in 2018, the 18-year-old at BFA St. Albans took his own life.
His suicide shattered his family but they managed to channel their hurt into trying to help others.
They launched a music festival called Afterglow five years ago. Proceeds go to suicide prevention programs in Vermont.
“Don’t even try to imagine what it’s like. It’s something that hits you every day. You get through your day. Every once in a while throughout your day, it gets you. It’s there. All day long. Forever,” John Holzscheiter said.
Afterglow takes place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Hard’ack Hill in St. Albans.