Family honors Falmouth man’s memory through golf and advocacy
Maine Community Mourns 36‑Year‑Old Gregory Smith After Suicide, Family Calls for Greater Mental‑Health Awareness
PRESCO, ME – Gregory Smith, a 36‑year‑old resident of Prescot, lost his life by suicide on August 24, 2025. The tragedy has left friends, neighbors, and a close-knit community grappling with grief and an urgent call from Smith’s family to open a broader conversation about mental‑health stigma.
Smith’s family released a brief statement early this week, saying, “We hope that by sharing our story, we can reduce the stigma around mental health.” The statement was posted on the family’s Facebook page and subsequently shared by local media outlets, including The Maine Journal and the Portland Press Herald. In the post, the family urged anyone struggling with mental‑health challenges to reach out for help and highlighted the importance of community support.
The family has not identified any specific causes that led to Smith’s decision, and they have asked for privacy as they mourn. Police investigators have confirmed that the death was a suicide, but no further details are being released. The Maine Department of Public Health has noted that, as of August 2025, Maine recorded 1,350 suicides in the previous year, a figure that underscores the ongoing mental‑health crisis in the state.
Community Response
In Prescot, the local church and community center announced plans to host a memorial service for Smith. Pastor Maria Torres, who has known the Smith family for more than a decade, said, “Gregory was a beloved member of our congregation, and we are here to support those affected by his loss.” The service is scheduled for September 1, 2025, with a live stream available for residents unable to attend in person.
Local mental‑health advocates have taken the opportunity to raise awareness. Dr. Alan Green, a clinical psychologist at the Maine State Hospital, spoke at a town hall meeting held this week, highlighting that suicide is the second leading cause of death among adults aged 20 to 49 in the state. He emphasized that early intervention and destigmatization can save lives, citing evidence that public discussions, such as the Smith family’s statement, help break down barriers to seeking help.
Resources and Support
Maine residents seeking help for themselves or loved ones can call the Maine Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 1‑800‑M-HELP (1‑800‑641‑4357). The state also offers a free online chat service and a directory of licensed therapists. For those who prefer a face‑to‑face approach, the Prescot Community Health Clinic provides confidential counseling and has recently expanded its services to include group therapy and support for grief.
The Maine Department of Health and Human Services announced last month that it will partner with local nonprofits to provide free mental‑health screenings at community centers and libraries throughout the summer. This initiative, part of a broader state effort to reduce mental‑health stigma, aligns with the Smith family’s plea for broader public engagement.
Looking Forward
While the loss of Gregory Smith is deeply personal to his family and friends, the community’s response reflects a growing recognition of mental‑health challenges. The family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and hopes that their story will serve as a catalyst for conversation and change.
As Maine’s mental‑health landscape continues to evolve, the Smith family’s message serves as a stark reminder: acknowledging and discussing mental‑health concerns openly can be a powerful step toward prevention and healing.
