Kayleigh Scott, a beloved United Airlines flight attendant and human being, has tragically died via suicide. The loss is a painful reminder of how fragile life is and that we must do more to stay in touch with friends and loved ones who might be undergoing depression.
RIP Kayleigh Scott, United Airlines Flight Attendant
Scott became a poster child for United’s DEI model and was a prominent figure on the company’s social media pages. When Scott underwent gender transition, United not only supported the process, but made her a leading figure online:My heart skipped a beat. I hoped it was a bluff. I hoped that someone would knock on her door in time.
Someone did. Within minutes. But it was already too late.
“Last night I couldn’t sleep, I was up all night and out of nowhere I saw a post by Kayleigh Scott with her last goodbyes on this earth. Many of us, just like myself, who couldn’t sleep, jumped on it right away. All night I tried to reach out, called , texted, messaged her family on fb, as so did others. Finally someone was able to send the police for a wellness check, unfortunately it was too late. Words can’t describe the sadness I’m feeling. Kayleigh, I’m sorry I wasn’t fast enough, sorry within the 7 mins of you posting your status it was just too late.Yesterday, I opened up Instagram and noticed the following post at the top of my feed:Maybe it was destiny for me to be awake during your last few moments, but know that I’m broken, shattered, that someone as beautiful as you, would do this to yourself. I know life as a trans hasn’t been easy for you, you struggled but came so far along that we believed nothing would stop you. This world, mainly COUNTRY did you wrong, and I truly hope there’s justice and change for you. I hope you are at peace now and please keep looking after us. We love you. Rest in peace queen.”
I’ve been following Kayleigh on social media since she made her transition and the news hits me hard. I could see that Scott was crying out in pain in social media posts over the last few months. She became disgruntled about her job and discouraged over other aspects of her personal life.
My heart breaks for her. I never met Kayleigh. I never had the chance to fly with her. And yet even as one of her thousands of social media followers from a distance, I feel responsible for not doing more. I saw pain and did not reach out. We cannot possibly save the world, but we can minister to those around us in need. I wish I had done more.
Whoever you are, wherever you are, there are better alternatives to suicide. This irreversible step is not the right path. I pray for peace and comfort for all who knew and loved Kayleigh.