WARREN — On Tuesday, December 23, the body of missing transgender man, Jay Ralko, was found in his truck in a Meijer parking lot at Mound and Thirteen Mile Road in Warren, Michigan. Police believe suicide is the cause of death, though an autopsy is being performed.
On December 10, Jay left a note asking his roommate to care for his dog Xena for a few days. At around 7 p.m. that evening, he spoke to his mom, Sherri Scott Amorello for the last time. Amorello contacted Equality Michigan on December 18 for help finding her son, and is now requesting that all media inquiries be directed to Equality Michigan.
Equality Michigan, the statewide anti-violence and advocacy organization serving Michigan's lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV communities, supports victims of anti-LGBTQ harassment, discrimination, and violence. The group had been helping law enforcement officials and the family locate Ralko.
Statement by Jay Ralko's family
"We would like to thank everyone that helped support us in our search to find Jay. If we could have one last word with Jay, we would tell him how proud we are of him. Not many people would be able to get through what he has. He has struggled with so much in the last few years, much of which none of us will ever understand. Our only wish now is that all the pain has gone away and he has found peace. We love you Jay and we will miss you."
Statement by Leah Taraskiewicz
Victim Advocate, Equality Michigan
"The Equality Michigan team is heartbroken over the loss of Jay, and we will continue to work with the family to support them in any way we can. We don't know if Jay's mental health played a role in this tragedy. However, we do know that, LGBTQ people are at higher risk of facing tough mental health situations. No one should have to go through that alone. We encourage anyone who is struggling with mental illness and depression to seek help and support. We ask that everyone join us in keeping Jay's family and friends in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
Equality Michigan encourages anyone considering suicide or facing depression to consider calling a resource such as the the GLBT National Hotline ( 888-843-4564 ). LGBTQ youth can call the Trevor Project Hotline ( 866-488-7386 ) and transgender people can utilize the Transgender Helpline ( 855-345-8464 ).
Equality Michigan is asking the media and public to respect the family's wishes for privacy in their time of mourning. At the request of the family, anyone wishing to reach out to the family is encouraged to contact Equality Michigan - media@equalitymi.org or 313-537-7000.