I learned of the death of college student Carly Henley two days after her passing, on October 6, 2010. In the days soon to follow it became clear that scores and scores of people were wounded to the core by the loss. Wonderful evidence around the internet serves to almost suspend Carly Henley's personable allure, her impressive musical talent, and a short life the likes of which most anybody could envy.

Various reports tell of her short term struggle with depression of perhaps three months in duration. Significant in that was the introduction of anti-depressant drug Zoloft via prescription some two weeks before Carly took her own life.

Not lost on me now, finally, is the wording in the "Black Box Warning" with Zoloft, which states that antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in persons younger than 25. Risk is especially heightened during the first two months of taking anti-depressants.

The labels on anti-depressant drugs in the U.S. were altered to reference young adults aged 18 to 24 just three years earlier - in 2007.

It is my belief, now, that Carly just happened to land among the small percentage of anti-depressant users who are susceptible to being so affected by a powerful drug such as Zoloft.

One need not ever have known such a remarkable woman to feel the pain all around at the loss of Carly Henley.


So many life lessons are so well represented by Carly Henley's compelling spirit. Let me see if I can help some to gain fuller appreciation for a woman who continues to inspire everyone who ever knew of her.



References to Carly in mainstream media at 4-month mark of her passing

On Super Bowl Sunday the local paper offered the story of a female basketball player named Kristi Kingma who dedicated her basketball season to Carly Henley, who she met at church.   As this is not mens' college sports it is plausible that a top college athlete meets a sorority girl at church before they bond admirably. 

The story linked above affords outsiders like me another testimony in support of the perception that Carly Henley's character was rock solid as has been suggested and documented by everything you can find online since her death was first reported.

Gone almost unnoticed with regard to the story linked above is that the name "Carly Henley" most previously appears in search results at The Seattle Times in reference to high school tennis results back in the spring of 2008.  (good to know that Carly and her mixed-doubles partner won their league championship in the spring of 2007 - still another reason to better appreciate the multitude of experiences and triumphs Carly packed into her time on this earth)

The story linked above suggests that the two women greatly enhanced the lives of one another during a friendship which lasted barely a year.  It seems that during that time each got to witness the other performing to the best of her capabilities.  Maybe that is enough to be thankful for.

I love one of the quotes from the story:   Kristi Kingma says:  "Everything about Carly has made me appreciate life so much more".

I agree.
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