The skateboarding community is mourning another loss following the reported death of skateboarder and Breaking Bad actor RJ Mitte by suicide.
His passing has brought sadness to skaters, fans, friends, and family members, including Synthia, the mother of professional skateboarder David Loy, who lost her eldest son, Bryce, to suicide in 2016.
Synthia shared a heartfelt message about the struggles young men face in America, particularly those trying to build a career in skateboarding.
READ MORE: Skateboarder Bryce Garrison Loy Passes Away by Suicide at Age 28
She believes the industry is becoming increasingly difficult to survive in, with only a small percentage of riders earning enough money to support themselves.
“I’m a Mom of two professional skateboarders. In America young men are especially struggling,” she wrote.
She explained that skateboarders face a unique set of challenges. They are constantly working to learn new tricks, film impressive video parts, and release fresh footage to stay relevant in the industry. That cycle can be demanding, especially when earning a living from skateboarding remains out of reach for many riders.
According to Synthia, the industry is struggling once again, and the financial rewards are concentrated among a select group of professionals.
“The skaters riding for big corporations like Nike and top few percent of contest skaters are earning a living. The rest are struggling to figure out how to survive,” she said.
Her comments point to a difficult reality for young skateboarders who dedicate years of their lives to their craft but may never secure the sponsorships, competition earnings, or financial stability needed to make a career out of it.
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Synthia also took aim at American culture, arguing that young men are struggling to find ways to thrive in a society that has not valued them.
“They don’t know how to thrive in a American culture that has not valued young men. These are difficult times,” she added.
Her words carry a deeply personal meaning, as Bryce died by suicide at 28 after suffering life altering injuries and undergoing seven surgeries.
Having experienced that loss herself, she expressed sympathy for RJ's loved ones and the pain they are now facing.
“My heart breaks for the parents, family, & friends of RJ,” she wrote.
She also spoke about the trauma experienced by families after losing someone to suicide, urging people to approach grieving loved ones with compassion and care.
Synthia encouraged people to support those who are mourning by simply being present with them, even when they do not know what to say. She warned that the wrong words, even when well intentioned, can cause further hurt during an already devastating time.
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Please show support by sitting quietly beside them with those who lost family to suicide. The wrong words spoken will further hurt the family,” she said.
She ended her message by sharing her faith and offering support to anyone who may need someone to talk to.
“I’m a Christian Mama. DM me if you need support.”
Her message goes beyond the struggles of professional skateboarding. It speaks to the financial pressures facing young athletes, the difficulties of building a sustainable career, and the pain families experience when someone dies by suicide.
For many skateboarders, the dream is to turn their passion into a living. But as Synthia points out, the opportunities to earn a stable income remain limited for most riders, leaving many to figure out their future without much financial security.
Her personal loss also gives weight to her plea for compassion. When someone is grieving, they may not need advice or explanations. Sometimes, simply being there and allowing them the space to mourn can mean more than finding the perfect words.