Bike ride to help family of student who committed suicide

April 15, 2013

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A 15-mile memorial bike ride for University of Florida student Michael Edmonds starts at 6 p.m. today, April 15, at Turlington Plaza.

The ride, organized by the Team Florida Cycling Club, will mark the one year anniversary of Edmonds’ untimely passing. The aim is to celebrate his inspiring life and to help raise funds for the Edmonds family to provide them a new home. The fundraiser will also raise awareness of the many resources UF offers to support students and faculty with issues related to mental health.

Edmonds came to UF in 2011 as journalism major. He joined the Team Florida Cycling Club and pursued his love of cycling. He became well-known to his teachers and classmates at UF due to his outgoing personality, sincere devotion to friends and meaningful service to the Gainesville community.

After a long struggle with bipolar disorder, he ended his life April 15, 2012, by jumping from the Ben Hill Griffin Football Stadium. He is remembered as an authentic individual who wore his heart on his sleeve and who was always supportive of others, especially those in need.

Participants in the memorial bike ride will be asked for donations to help Edmonds’ family replace the dilapidated trailer they currently live in with a used trailer. The current trailer is in extreme disrepair and the cost of fixing the trailer exceeds the cost of replacing it with a used trailer.

The idea for raising money to replace the Edmonds trailer was initiated by the 4-H Ham Jammers club based in Green Cove Springs where Michael grew up. The 4-H Ham Jammers club is a UF-based organization run through the UF IFAS extension office in Clay County.

The memorial and fundraiser for the Edmonds family is a comprehensive collaborative effort involving several entities within UF. Team Florida is leading the organization of the memorial bike ride, with Rec Sports and the Dean of Students office helping to provide support. UPD is coordinating safety for the ride, and the Counseling and Wellness Center will have counselors on site to provide support and resources for those in attendance at the memorial. The fundraiser is hosted by the UF IFAS 4-H Jam Hammers Club of Clay County.

Please contact Tony Delisle at tdelisle@hhp.ufl.edu for more information on how to contribute to this cause.