Dr. Erik Close left this world to sail the winds in the sky on July 31, 2020. 

Erik was a devoted father and husband, and a caring physician who loved helping people and solving problems. He was happiest watching his kids play sports, sailing the waters of Lake Dillon in his beloved Colorado and on the golf course. 

Erik was competitive, driven, enthusiastic, caring and loving. But while he was a caregiver to others, he held a lot of his thoughts inside and didn't open up to many people. His depression overcame him, causing him to take his own life at the age of 45. 

The suicide rate for doctors is the highest of any profession. The rate of suicide in male physicians is 1.41 times that of the general population and for female physicians it's even higher at 2.27 times. Every day in the United States, a doctor dies by suicide. 

No family should have to go through such a tragedy. Erik's family hopes that by supporting the AFSP we can raise awareness of the resources available and provide hope to those who might be contemplating suicide. 50% of the funds raised will go directly to the Iowa chapter of the AFSP, who was here for our family in the wake of this tragedy, providing empathy, understanding and information.