Andre was studying at PCC, with excited hopes to transfer to his dream university, USC. While the pandemic had put a halt on sports, his true passion was running. He excelled as a runner on the SPHS Track & Field and the Cross Country teams, even competing and winning competitions outside of school. Ever since he was little, he was always delighted in having an animal nearby, whether it was a pet, on a trip to his favorite zoo, or on a safari in Africa. Traveling gave him all the thrills in life, as he would so proudly declare, "I've been to every continent in the world except Antarctica!" He was touched by all of the wonders, the cultures, and the beauty of nature and the world. He was surrounded by energetic friends, a caring and beautiful girlfriend, and a loving family.

On October 2, 2021, our dearest Andre took his own life. Overwhelmed with emotions and growing anxiety, his tunnel vision brought him to the old bridge in Pasadena where he impulsively made the decision to calm his suffering. The isolation and after-effects from the pandemic had taken a heavy toll on his mental and emotional well-being.

We fully understand that Andre is not unique in this situation. Many others are under the same stress and isolation and desperately need the same support that we tried to give Andre. Bringing awareness to this issue is the first step, but we must work as a community to eliminate the stigma behind mental health challenges and suicide.

The Patzkowski Family