Parkway suicide: Father shares pain of daughter’s struggle

BLOOMFIELD - A North Jersey family is sharing the story of their daughter's fight with depression in hopes that her death will spur help for others.

Eva Smith, 15, died when she fell from an overpass in Nutley Friday night and was struck by a car, according to State Police.  Bloomfield High School's website also identified her as Eva Smith. A tweet by the school called her death a suicide.

The driver of the car that struck Smith was not injured nor charged.

Eva Smith's father, Ronstin Smith, posted a heartfelt video breaking the news about Eva's death and said she ran away from home on Friday night.

"I am  doing this for one reason, because when I was younger I suffered from depression and I almost killed myself," he says. "Tonight, my daughter killed herself. Someone in your life is hurting. Someone in your life is going through something and needs help. Help them. Don't ignore whatever is going on in that person's life."

Counselors will be available at the high school starting at noon on Sunday.

In a statement released to RLS Media, Smith's family wrote, "We want to reach out to parents who have gone through this, and kids and adults who are presently going through this to let you know that we stand with you and love you very much."

The family said no donation page has been authorized. They asked that donations be  made in Eva's name to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the Suicide Prevention Resource Center.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com.