LOGAN, Utah – Utah State football head coach Blake Anderson encouraged people to get support on the anniversary of his son’s death.

Cason Anderson tragically died by suicide on February 28, 2022, at the age of 21. He graduated from Jonesboro High School in Arkansas in 2020 while his father was the head coach of Arkansas State. In 2021, Cason moved to Pflugerville, Texas to be near his family and work for his uncle at Techline Pipe.

1 year ago today You left us. You took your own life & there is nothing we can do to ever change it. Memories, questions, grief, and tears are all we are left with. We miss you dearly. Depression & suicide ARE REAL. If you are hurting please reach out for help NOW 💚 dial 988 pic.twitter.com/5MA1jNSAkN

— Blake Anderson (@CHbanderson) February 28, 2023

“1 year ago today You left us,” Anderson wrote in a post on social media. “You took your own life & there is nothing we can do to ever change it. Memories, questions, grief, and tears are all we are left with. We miss you dearly. Depression & suicide ARE REAL. If you are hurting please reach out for help NOW dial 988.”

RELATED: USU’s Blake Anderson Emphasizes the Importance Of Mental Health

Robert Cason Mental Health and Wellness Fund

In September, USU and Anderson combined to establish the Robert Cason Mental Health and Wellness Fund.

The Mental Health and Wellness Fund will provide enhancements to the athletics department’s mental health and wellness resources. It will provide increased mental health and wellness counseling services, educational opportunities, training, and programming for student-athletes, coaches, and support staff.

Utah State Athletics Establishes Cason Anderson Mental Health and Wellness Fund.

LEARN MORE ➡️ https://t.co/P9vfdBmoef pic.twitter.com/Q4dR7it1XH

— Utah State Athletics (@USUAthletics) September 21, 2022

RELATED: Utah State Athletics Establishes Mental Health And Wellness Fund In Cason Anderson’s Name

Utah State’s mental health and wellness program with the Robert Cason Anderson Fund will increase awareness and help tackle the stigma surrounding mental health challenges, all while offering more support to all USU student-athletes.

For more information on the fund, or to donate, click here.

Blake Anderson Shares Personal Struggles

In September, ahead of a game against UNLV, Utah State dedicated the week to raising awareness for mental health. During the week, Anderson released a video detailing some of his struggles.

#MentalHealthMatters@chbanderson 's Story 💚 pic.twitter.com/CpIJHMyF1S

— USU Football (@USUFootball) September 19, 2022

“We have had a lot of good conversations about this something that we all feel very strongly about,” Anderson opened. “We’d love for you to join with us and support this cause and hopefully help those in need.”

The coach then closed his message by encouraging people to “step up” and “speak out” about mental health.

“Mental Health Matters,” Anderson finished. “I encourage you if you or someone you know is hurting, step up, speak out, and do everything you can to help them find the resources they need. staying silent is too costly. Thank you for listening and I pray that those that are listening if you’re hurting that you want to wait.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or needs support, it is always available with SafeUT, a crisis chat and tip line. 833-372-3388

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