Dave Batters Dead
Former Palliser MP takes own life
 Dave Batters.jpg)
A former Saskatchewan Conservative MP has taken his own life.
The family of Dave Batters issued a release this morning confirming that Batters killed himself yesterday. The 39 year old former Palliser MP was at home at the time. Police responded to a suicide call at his home yesterday afternoon.
First elected in 2004, Batters announced last September he would not be seeking re-election. He had dropped out of the public eye over an undisclosed illness last summer, that he revealed involved battling depression, anxiety and a dependency on prescription medications. At the time, Batters said he planned to work on his recovery. Batters was credited at the time for his openness about his mental health issues.
No details yet on a funeral service.
(The official announcement follows)
Statement from the family of Dave Batters
Regina (June 30, 2009): The family of Dave Batters is grieving the sudden loss of their beloved husband, son and brother, who sadly chose to take his own life at home in Regina on Monday, June 29.
Last fall, Dave courageously made public his battle with depression and anxiety when he chose not to run for re-election as the Member of Parliament for Palliser. He entered treatment and his family and friends hoped he would overcome his illness. Tragically, this was not to be.
Dave and Denise's family greatly appreciates the support of their friends during this extremely difficult time and requests that the media respect their privacy.
Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Comments
Great Loss
The loss of Dave Batters is a tragedy. I wish his family peace as they greive. He was a very nice man with a very ugly disease. May he rest in peace.
Death of Dave Batters
Terrible and tragic news. My condolences go out to his family and friends, whom I'm sure there are too numerous to mention. A terrific person that did some wonderful things for this Province. Always upbeat and sincere in his passion for serving his constituants. I'm sure his family must be very proud of his accomplishments in such a short period of time.
Many politicians should copy his style. He truly had his own style.
Dave Batters
How very sad. My prayers go out to family and friends. God Bless.
How sad
I'm so sad for this man and his family and friends. He obviously struggled with a very difficult and oftentimes still too mysterious disease. It is not enough for us (as citizens and humans even) to pride someone on their openess about struggling with the stigmatized mental illness, we must also realize that mental illness is a life-long, uphill struggle that requires constant effort and work. Unlike some less mysterious diseases, mental illness can not be 'cured' but instead only cultivated and constantly revisited.
I knew Dave during my
I knew Dave during my university years and remember him as a fun and really kind person. My heart goes out to Denise and the children, as a mother to a mother, I pray for the strength of all of you.