Community walks in Abilene to honor loved ones lost to suicide

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – A rainy Saturday morning didn’t stop about 300 people from gathering in Abilene for the annual Out of the Darkness Walk — an emotional event aimed at raising awareness for suicide prevention and mental health support.

Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the walk raised more than $17,700 for programs focused on education, advocacy, and community outreach. Participants braved the wet weather to walk in memory of loved ones lost to suicide and to support those still struggling with mental health challenges.

For Hailey Shirley, the event carries deep personal meaning. Shirley lost her brother to suicide in 2024. Her family now helps organize the walk as a way to foster healing and connection.

“I could never even begin to understand what my parents go through every day having lost a child,” Shirley said. “And I know that’s the story of multiple people that are here. I think just giving them the opportunity to connect with other people that do understand their pain is incredibly important.”

She said the walk gives her family, and many others, a place to feel understood and supported.

“It gives my parents, someone, other people to lean on and to discuss those things with that do kind of understand that level of loss,” she said. “The community and the support is really all that it’s about.”

AFSP representatives said funds raised from the walk will go toward suicide prevention research, local educational programs, and policy advocacy work.