Musician who tried to take his own life now funding mental health resources for other artists

When the pandemic started, live music venues shut their doors and musicians suffered. Those working in the entertainment industry had their income instantly cut off.

Many local musicians developed mental health issues, and a few have killed themselves. Studies show that musicians have a much higher rate of stress, anxiety and depression. They are also more likely to struggle with substance abuse.

North Carolina has lost musical treasures to suicide. Two notable names are Faye Hunter of Let’s Active, and Sam Moss, a beloved musician in Winston-Salem.

"I have attempted to take my life in the past, and I failed," he said. "Fortunately, I can be sitting here today to speak."

"I was very fortunate that I had people who cared enough about me to keep me from becoming a statistic" Holsapple said.