Mother's heartbreak fuels mission to protect those with mental illness

A mother turns her heartbreak into change, inspired by her late son's death, to help families of those with mental illness protect their loved ones.

Tamika Armstrong is grieving the loss of her 26-year-old son, Madison Xavier Armstrong, who was found dead in a lake in Raleigh on Wednesday.

Madison had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, and Tamika believes his mental illness played a role in his death.

"Our hearts are broken in 1 million pieces," Tamika Armstrong, Madison's mother, said.

Madison vanished earlier this month, triggering a missing endangered alert. Police, family, and friends searched for miles to find him.

"If you have a missing animal, and they have a tag on them, you can find them, if you lose your phone, you can find your phone," Tamika said. "If you lose an inmate, you can find an inmate, but if you lose someone who has dementia or schizophrenia, there is nothing set to help them. There's nothing to detect them."

Madison's family was at the lake when his body was found. He had recently been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.

"She said something was floating in the lake, and I told her to just send me a picture. Just send me a picture and call 911," Tamika said.

Raleigh police searched as well.

The department sent WRAL a statement saying:

"In this case, we received multiple reports of sightings and followed up. In one instance, we utilized a drone to survey an area where he was sighted. We worked with the Garner police department to follow up with one particular lead. We also circulated areas where he was known to visit."

The details of exactly what happened are still unclear.

Madison's family is determined to fight for change and help other families with loved ones suffering from mental illness.

"Until I leave here, I have found my mission," Tamika said. "I found exactly what my purpose is, Madison gave me my purpose."

She hopes to collaborate with state lawmakers to create new legislation that would expand parental rights for children with mental illness.