OAKLAND, Mich. –
Corey Jackson didn't fit the classic mold of teen angst. He didn't keep to himself, wear dark clothing or write incessantly in a journal. Quite the opposite, Jackson, his loved ones say, was the life of the party.
"He was like a ray of light," said his aunt and former legal guardian, Kim Jones.
But something happened to snuff out that light, and on Monday night, Oct. 18, Jackson, 19, walked into the woods on the campus of Oakland University, where he was a sophomore, and hung himself.
Bullying in our backyard or something different
Immediately, the media began to pick up on the story and attempt to fit it within the horrific pattern of bullying-related gay suicides that have occurred across the country in recent weeks. Tyler Clementi, an 18-year-old freshman at Rutgers University, made national headlines when he jumped off the George Washington Bridge Sept. 22 after a romantic encounter with another man was streamed on the internet by his dorm roommates without his knowledge.
The deaths of Seth Walsh and Asher Brown, who lived in California and Texas respectively, also garnered a good share of headlines because of their ages – both boys were only 13 years old. Reports indicate that as many as eight gay youths may have killed themselves across the country in the past two months. Allegedly after being harassed because of their sexual orientation.
So was Jackson number nine? Did he forego what was by all accounts a promising future because hateful homophobes made it too unbearable to forge ahead? His family says yes.
"I believe (it happened) because he recently realized he was a homosexual and he was getting pressured at school by his peers, because he told his family and nothing changed here," Jackson's grandmother, Carolyn Evans, told The Oakland Press. "When he went to school and he realized his sexual preference had changed, he changed completely. He withdrew."
Jones, with whom Jackson lived from the time he was 12, spoke to Between The Lines at a vigil held on the Oakland University campus last Wednesday. She said much of the same about Jackson.
"We told him no matter what he was, we'd always love him," she said. "But he told me people (on campus) were treating him differently (since he came out). He didn't know where he belonged."
Friends, however, expressed disbelief that Jackson had been harassed on OU's campus, or that pressure from other students played any role in his death.
"That is a lie," said Jay Clark, Jackson's close friend. "Corey was not bullied."
Clark and Jackson roomed together during their freshmen year. The two became so close that Jackson asked to identify Clark as his sibling on his Facebook page. Clark does not buy that his friend was bullied to death.
"He seemed very comfortable (on campus)," said Clark. "I know he wasn't being bullied, because every time I saw Corey he had a smile on his face. He would have told me."
Eddison Bautista, another of Jackson's close friends, agreed.
"I don't think bullying was an issue," he said. "Corey was really proud of who he was."
Retracing the descent of a falling star
By all accounts, Jackson had every right to be proud. He graduated from Warren Woods Tower High School in 2009 with a 3.9 grade point average. He was captain of the track team, a member of the swim team and, say friends, well-liked.
His popularity, from all indications, only increased at college, as he came to accept and express his sexual orientation. At the candlelight vigil, friends recalled his passion for helping people and his ever-present smile.
"Corey had probably one of the most infectious smiles you ever saw," said Tyler Scheuerman, Jackson's roommate this year. "No matter what kind of day you were having, you saw Corey and you weren't having a bad day anymore."
Jackson loved music and loved to dance. On weekends he enjoyed clubbing in Detroit and over the summer had joined the dance troupe Chico's Boyz and began performing at Gigi's, where he was an instant crowd pleaser. Much of his free time in recent weeks was spent talking to a new love interest, Mario Martin.
"He was a kind person," said Martin. "He was such a sweet guy."
Jackson felt just as strongly about Martin and was, ironically, declaring his great happiness in the final days of his life. Clark saw Jackson for the last time on Thursday, Sept. 14, and much of their conversation was about Martin.
"He said, 'Jay, I feel like I'm on top of the world. I'm so happy,'" Clark recalled.
Clark and Jackson shared the news that they had both just been hired by the university to solicit donations from alumni. They made plans to attend training together the following week.
On Friday, Jackson finished his school week and prepared to party with his new love. They went to Gigi's, where Jackson danced as part of the first show.
"He was happy," remembered Murray, another of the club's dancers. "He was with his friends. He was having fun."
The next day, Saturday, was Sweetest Day. Jackson and Martin spent the day together. They went to the movies, ate at Red Robin and just chilled at Martin's place before going to Ice in Hamtramck, where Jackson was practically bubbling over with joy.
"He talked to me about how happy he was with Mario, and I was really happy for him," said Jackson's friend John Watson, who spoke to him at the club.
Sunday, Jackson chilled with friends and settled in back on campus. He texted friends that he had a fantastic weekend. Twenty-four hours later, he killed himself.
So what went wrong? What actually happened to leave Jackson feeling so hopeless he thought he had to end it all?
"It seems that he had been despondent about personal matters," said Oakland County Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Ljubisa J. Dragovic, speaking to OU's campus newspaper, The Oakland Post.
Of course, if anyone could answer the question of what those personal matters were, it's Jackson himself. Questioned last week by The Oakland Press about the existence of a suicide note, OU Police Chief Sam Lupido said he would not discuss the matter with the media. Pressed this week by Between The Lines, Lupido held to that position. Still, Lupido's comments seem to confirm the existence of a note and on Monday, Oct. 25, BTL filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the university seeking the release of its contents. For now, all Lucido would say is that his investigation of Jackson's death turned up no evidence of on-campus bullying.
"We have no indication of any bullying or harassment whatsoever from others," he said.
A 'bright light' extinguished too soon
The last known person to talk to Jackson was his boyfriend. The two spoke Monday at about 5:30 p.m.
"He was sad about a conversation he had with his family, which I prefer not to speak about further," said Martin. "Then he told me he had to go."
Shortly after, Jackson began texting friends. Clark got his text at 6:41 p.m.
"He texted a smiley face and said he loved me," said Clark. "We always said we loved each other, but he had never texted it before."
Jackson's final text message, sent about 7 pm., was to Martin. Like Clark's, it said, simply, "I love you."
Martin texted back, "love you, too, boo," and added "you're an amazing person.
"He responded, 'eno, you're the amazing one,'" said Martin. "The last thing he told me was, 'you need to gain self-confidence more and understand you're amazing, the quicker the better.'"
It was the last anyone would hear from Jackson directly. But by taking his life so dramatically – hanging himself in public, where he was certain to be discovered by strangers – it's almost as if he was attempting to speak from beyond the grave.
"I think he was trying to tell us something," said Martin. "I'm not sure what it was, though, and he went about it the wrong way."
Calls to Kim Jones seeking additional comments and to discuss the contents of a note were not returned. OU has 10 days to respond to the FOIA request. The frightening possibility that what Jackson was trying to say – why he chose to end his own life – may never be known, remains on the forefront.
"There may never be an answer to that question," said Lisa Dalton, a professor of sociology, speaking at last week's vigil. "The only thing that is always consistent [in suicides] is that it's the result of deep psychological pain. Most individuals who take their life don't want to take their life. They just want the pain to end."ddd
Community Memorial Service
Community Memorial Service for Corey Jackson will be held on Oct 30th, 2pm at MCCD-Detroit in Ferndale.
Resources to prevent suicide
These hotlines are available for people who are struggling with issues that relate to their sexuality. If you are feeling particularly down, and especially if you have suicidal thoughts, call one of them.
The LGBT Helpline of Michigan, a project of Affirmations
800-398-GAYS (4297)
The Trevor Hotline, a national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for gay and questioning youth.
866-4-U-Trevor or 866-488-7386
Ozone House Crisis Line, Ann Arbor
734-662-2222
Corey, in his own words (from his Facebook profile)
Saying I'm complicated is an understatement. I'm a very easy-going guy but my mind is everywhere, all the time. I love my friends and family a lot, they mean everything to me.
I try not to judge others and respect everyone's opinion, but it's hard sometimes. You don't need much to impress me, just a good heart. Drama is something I simply do not do. If you have it, please take it somewhere else. Honestly, it's very easy for me to not care what people think, because I've wasted too much of my life caring. I'm usually shy at first but once you get me going, I promise you won't be able shut me up. I love meeting new people and making them laugh and making them feel comfortable. I put myself in other people's shoes often. People who I feel have it harder than myself, or people who I admire, both help me become a stronger person. I've heard everything. Words do not hurt me, only actions.
