Delilah said in a January Facebook post that Zack was autistic. At just 18 years old, Delilah’s son committed suicide, on Tuesday, October 3, 2017.
Not too long ago, I had the opportunity to meet Delilah in person. Her plane was delayed for an event and those of us working with the brand, were really wondering if she’d even make it. She did, and with very little time left before she was supposed to be in front of a live audience, she arrived. The space lit up when she entered. There was a calm yet vibrant energy about her. She was such a professional. She didn’t skip a beat. I knew right away that she was special, and she inspired me. I found out she had 13 children! She was the last one to leave that event. She stayed and took pictures and spoke to every single fan that asked her for the time. Every. One.
At the time, I didn’t know that in March 2012, she also lost her adopted 16-year-old son Sammy to sickle cell anemia.
This is tragic! I don’t have the words to make any of this sound okay. I can’t imagine anything worse in the world than losing a child. Delilah has now lost two. This woman who has spent her entire career bringing to joy others, inspiring them, and caring about every fan, is grieving. She is planning a leave of absence during this period. Depression is REAL. Suicide is REAL!
Despite being aware of Zach’s depression, getting him the right help and support, it did not save his life. STILL, Delilah made a point of sharing the number to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline, 1-800-273-8255. We must continue to spread awareness, and help those who are suffering. We must continue to help them fight for their lives.
Depression is a life-and-death disease.
October 7, 2017
“My dear friends, I need to share some devastating news with you. In the early morning hours, Tuesday, October 3, my son, Zachariah, took his life.
He was being treated, counseled, and embraced fiercely by family and friends while battling depression for some time now. My heart is broken beyond repair and I can not fathom how to go on…but I have to believe he is at peace with the Lord and that God will get us through.
I will be absent from the radio and on social media for a time as I grieve and try to process this loss with my family. In the mean-time we’ll be playing some of my favorite shows from the recent past. I’ll look forward to my return, as you all lift me up so very much!
Please pray for my beloved Zacky, and I will pray for all suffering from this debilitating disease called depression.”
– Delilah
1-800-273-8255 digits to reach the National Suicide Prevention Hotline
Delilah, the nationally syndicated nighttime radio program, is heard by over 8 million people on over 180 radio stations across the United States and internationally on the American Forces Network in Japan, Korea and Central Europe along with the iHeart Radio app and on the brand new podcast, Conversations with Delilah – available through iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher
The top-rated show broadcasts daily from 7 p.m. to midnight in all time zones and features Delilah’s distinctive blend of storytelling, sympathetic listening and encouragement – all scored with adult contemporary music. Nationally syndicated by Premiere Networks, the 2016 Marconi Award winner for “National/Syndicated Personality of the Year” is also the author of three books. In 2003, Delilah established Point Hope as a voice for forgotten children everywhere. Daily broadcasts, caring for her children, running a foundation, writing books, traveling and public speaking add up to a very busy life for Delilah, and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
