RIP Tyler Clemeti

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/09/hold_new_rutgers_post.html

A Rutgers University freshman appears to have killed himself by jumping off the George Washington Bridge after his roommate broadcast live images of the 18-year-old having a sexual encounter with another man on the internet, according to campus and law enforcement sources.

Tyler Clementi, 18, of Ridgewood, is presumed dead after his car, cell phone and computer were found near the George Washington Bridge last week, law enforcement sources said. His wallet was found on the walkway adjacent to the New York-bound lanes. In a statement released this afternoon, Clementi’s family confirmed the suicide and said his body has not been found.

Dharun Ravi, 18, of Plainsboro, and Molly Wei, 18, of Princeton, were charged with two counts each of invasion of privacy for setting up a camera in a dorm room on Sept. 19 and using it to view and transmit a live sex scene, said Middlesex County Prosecutor Bruce Kaplan.

How ridiculously awful.

I just got into a debate with a bunch of people whether or not this was maliciously done. Whether or not the intent was malicious or not, this was wrong and shows how people really don't think about cause and effect.

They don't think about how my actions could cause another human being turmoil. Now is it fair for the suicide to be blamed on them? Possibly no. But to out someone who is obviously trying to keep being gay a secret is just wrong on so many levels.

Now these two will have to live with this young man's suicide on their conscience for the rest of their lives. Will they use this opportunity to change their lives around or possibly the lives of other gay youth? Will they volunteer for gay youth causes? Suicide causes?

Or will they wallow in their own self misery and hope they get off, with doing no time, just happy to get on with their lives.

Time can only tell.

As for Tyler. I'm sorry that you felt as if you had no options or nowhere to turn. I'm sorry that you feel like no one could understand and that suicide was your best option. Now you have cut yourself off from the help that you need.

Rest In Peace Butterfly.