A young life cut down before it has a chance to bloom is sad, but what happens if that young life is cut down by its own hand? That's what happened with Kyle Ambrogi of the Penn football team. Kyle Ambrogi committed suicide leaving more questions than answers.

As a football player, Kyle's statistics were nothing to yell about, but he had just had his best game of his college career. He scored two touchdowns against Bucknell, helping his Penn team rout their foes 53-7.

The family reported that the 21 year old Ambrogi had been suffering from depression. Greg Ambrogi, Kyle's younger brother said:

I knew my brother had been having some problems. I thought he was getting better. I can't believe it happened. I can't cry yet.

Penn coach Al Bagnoli said:

His loss will be felt for a long time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this time.

What causes someone with a seemingly good life and accomplishment commit suicide?

The causes of suicide are many, but these are the main causes:

• Depression
• Mental illness
• Extreme physical pain
• Despair
• Alcohol or drug abuse
• A major loss in life including job, marriage or family member
• Isolation

What we still don't know is the tipping point for people who have suicidal thoughts. Commonly the effort is put on suicide prevention. Common efforts to prevent suicide include:

1. Promotion of a happy attitude
2. Elimination of alcohol and drugs
3. Domestic violence reduction
4. Intervention when key indicators are shown

Usually there is no reason left by the person who commits suicide, so the living are left to deal with their feelings.

These are the current statistics for suicide in the Unites States (Suicide is the green box):