Olivia “Livi” Wigon, Wellesley High School Class of 2016, passed away on Wednesday, June 5. At the time of her death she was on summer break from the University of Miami, where she double majored in Marine Affairs and Human and Social Development. Her lifelong curious spirit took her from the WHS Evolutions program to The Island School, Eleuthera, The Bahamas; to Israel, and beyond.
Olivia leaves her parents, Timothy and Jennifer (Hanlon) Wigon; her sister, Dorothy (WHS, Class of 2014); her brother, Sam (WHS, Class of 2019); and many friends and relatives both close to home and around the world.
The cause of death was suicide. The family wanted to share this information with the community as a step toward de-stigmatizing depression and its sometimes tragic outcomes. Jennifer Wigon said, “We especially want our community to know that Livi battled depression, and suicide was the awful, tragic result, but not an inevitable one. We had hope, and others should, too. There are resources. It just seems so many kids are suffering.”
A memorial service will be held at Temple Beth Elohim, 10 Bethel Rd., Wellesley, on Monday, June 10, 2019, 2pm. Immediately following, the family will observe shiva at Temple Beth Elohim until 4:30pm. Shiva will continue at the Wigon home on Monday and Tuesday, June 10 and 11, 7pm – 9pm. Burial will be private.
Donations may be sent in Olivia’s name to the Shark Research & Conservation Program at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science.
For us here at Swellesley, this tragedy is personal. We stand with our dear friends and bear witness to a heartbreak that is impossible to comprehend. Our deepest condolences to the Wigon family.
Mental Health Resources
Wellesley High School, available supports
Town of Wellesley, Community Social Worker, Health Department
Town of Wellesley, mental health resources page, an overview
Important phone numbers and other information on local mental health resources
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website and hotline number 800-273-8255
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
Principal Jamie Chisum in a letter to the community enclosed a document entitled, “Helping Students Cope with Tragic Loss”, co-written by Dr.’s Rob Evans and Mark Kline from Human Relations Service here in town noting that, “It is an excellent tool for all of us to read through as we support our children.” Here is a link to the document. Chisum also encourages all families to reach out to the school “if there are additional ways we can help your kids.”
Hello, we have the exact same tragedy. Our 15-year-old daughter on the exact day, 2014. We are also Jewish. I heard about your beautiful girl from a friend whose niece goes to school in Wellesley. My name is Karen, and I live near Columbus, Ohio. My email is: [email protected]
Karen, this is absolutely hearbreaking to hear. We are so sorry for your loss. The Boston Globe today published a very well-researched story about suicide and its tragic upward trajectory among young people during 2000 – 2017. The increase is staggering, and we are grateful to the Globe for shining a light on this horrifying reality.
Heart breaking news of your precious daughter. Thank you for sharing with the community her cause of death. So many young people struggle with depression. Olivia’s story might help others find help.
I didn’t know Olivia. But I have fond memories of what a close loving family you are. She was truly a generous inspiring young woman.
I’m so deeply sorry for the loss of your beautiful, precious Oliva.
I’m a stranger to you, but yet understand personally the depth, breath of pain your family suffers .
My 23 yr. old son Ariel, took his own life 5 years ago.
Olivia’s obituary came through my local news feed.
I greatly appreciate your candor re. Olivia’s tragic cause of death
Lighting a candle tonight in remembrance of Oliva…I’m so sorry .
So sorry for your loss. Thank you so much for helping to get the word out about mental health and depression. Olivia’s spirit will live on, thanks to your bravery sharing this message, by helping others with the same challenges to overcome them.