suicide of son's friend

[TwinkleDust]

How do I best support my son whose online gaming friend has committed suicide at the age of 17? [just to say I have independently verified that this is true].

Although not a RL friendship, it had all the characteristics of friendship and is of a long duration. The shockwaves are going through all the kids in the group.

Gosh. No wise words but these people are bril

uk-sobs.org.uk

It's going to be hard as there isn't a closure for him such as going to a funeral. It might be an idea for the group to do some sort of gaming / online memorial or rememberence service for him. It might help the group and be fitting for their relationship with him.
He will bereaving this friend like any other. Could he access a school or bereavement councellor to understand his feelings.

Years ago we knew all our children's' friends because they came to our houses. Now they can have friendships that feel just as real but are conducted on line. Don't make the mistake of thinking it isn't real. Frankly If you have verified this I would try and help your son to go to the funeral wherever it is.
I have pmd you because I have some experience which I don't wish to post about.

How did you verify it was true?

The thing that strikes me is that when we are bereaved it is difficult to take part in the activities that we have shared with the person we have lost, and if this is the case with your son he may be feeling quite lost.
I think I would just try to support him the same way as any other loss, spend time with him, talk to him about it if he can, get other family/friends to rally round.

Thank you for all your kind thoughts and suggestions. They are helping.
Secretsquirrels, thank you, I have pmd you back.

Years ago we would have had pen pals and the loss would have been the same.
As Secret says it might help your DS if you could go to the funeral.
Be there for him.