Sad news, folks ? New York senior in high school, Draven Rodriguez, has committed suicide.
Rodriguez is the 17-year-old kid who had already developed such a keen sense of humor that he made a nation laugh even before graduating high school.
Rodriguez is best known for a single amusing picture he wished to have placed in his high school year book, which consisted of him posing with his cat in front of that classic laser background so many of us had in our class pictures growing up ? a classic, with a feline twist, and anyone who spends any time online knows how popular kitty pics can be on the Internet.
Rodriguez’s family confirmed the sad news speaking with the Times Union, according to WPIX.
It was only last September that Rodriguez became a momentary viral phenomenon when he asked to use the cat/laser pic in his school yearbook.
Check out the adored picture of Rodriguez with his kitty, Mr. Bigglesworth, below:
Initially, the lighthearted photo was not going to be allowed; however, an online petition was soon started and collected thousands of signatures, according to a Schenetday High School spokesperson. After that, the school saw the light and gave the class picture the green light for the year book. There was one condition, though ? the school’s principal requested to jump in on the picture, and she wanted to bring her dog, Vivian, too.
Rodriguez’s father, Jonathan Stewart, said:
?[He] had friends all over the country ? people he’d met at youth-leadership conferences, online, just around town. He wasn’t trying to stir things up with it.?
Rodriguez may not have been trying ?to stir things up,? but he sure knew how to rile some laughter.
Stewart said Rodriguez really wanted his yearbook photo to be a goof, ?because he had a great sense of humor.?
That’s evident ? he sure did.
Though it is not yet publicly known why Rodriguez took his own life, one can’t help but think of how his great humor and apparent end echoes the Robin Williams suicide.
Whatever the reason for Rodriguez’s departure from this world, it’s apparent the world lost a great kid, and an even better source of laughter, light, and joy.
Condolences to his family in this tragic time.
If you, or someone you know, may be considering suicide, be sure to reach out for help by contacting the Suicide Prevention Lifeline, or another similar organization.
H/T: fox6now.com | Featured image: Instagram.com
