‘There were no signs’: Colwood mother shares son’s story after heartbreaking loss

Reader discretion advised: This story discusses suicide and mental health. 

A grieving Colwood mother is sharing the story of her 14-year-old son in hopes it may help other families recognize that struggles with mental health are not always visible.

Courtenay Coad says her son, Raiden Fischer, died by suicide on May 7th at the age of 14.

Now, through unimaginable grief, she hopes speaking publicly about her son’s life and hidden struggles may encourage more conversations around youth mental health and suicide awareness.

“Our family was not aware that behind his big smile and positive attitude, there was so much pain,” reads a message shared through a GoFundMe created following his death.

Raiden split his time between Colwood and Langford and attended Belmont Secondary School. According to his mother, he would have turned 15 on Canada Day.

“Raiden was a child who wanted to be friends with everyone,” Coad told Victoria Buzz. “He was a beautiful soul, full of life, full of laughter and the light in many eyes.”

She described him as someone with a natural sense of humour who could “turn a quiet room into an exciting one with his charm.”

Raiden was deeply passionate about music, guitar and judo. His mother said he never went anywhere without his headphones and loved bands like Megadeth.

Judo played a major role in his life through Victoria Judo Club, also known as VRTC Victoria Judo, where he trained for years, built friendships and achieved numerous accomplishments.

“He always said his judo family were his best friends,” said Coad.

Raiden had recently been training as a referee and had competed at the BC Winter Games, where he brought home a bronze medal. He had also qualified for nationals in Calgary, which he was set to attend just days after his death.

As part of the fundraiser created in his memory, 20% of all donations will go toward supporting the Victoria Judo Club.

“It’s very important I support what was such an important part of his life,” said Coad. “He referred to them as a family rather than just a club.”

While Raiden’s family continues to search for answers, Coad says one of the hardest parts has been the absence of warning signs.

“I thought as a family and a mother, I really thought we did it all right. I thought he was happy,” she said. “There were no signs. He held the pain deep. Deeper than anyone knew.”

She now hopes other parents will take time to check in with their children and understand that mental health struggles can sometimes remain hidden.

“Mental awareness isn’t a joke and needs to be addressed daily,” she said. “I never want a child to ever feel alone like that again.”

A GoFundMe created to support the family has seen an outpouring of support from the community.

As of this publication, $8,965 of the $10,000 goal has been raised.

“You are forever in many hearts, you have touched many souls,” Coad wrote in a message to her son. “Now may your soul rest peacefully my son.”

For anyone struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, help is available.

Support can be accessed 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988, the Suicide Crisis Helpline.

Youth can also connect with Kids Help Phone by calling 1-800-668-6868 or texting CONNECT to 686868.

In BC, people can also reach Crisis Centre BC through 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433).