Australian country musician and ABC Saturday Night Country producer, Glen Hannah, has tragically died.
Hannah, who was married to singer/songwriter and radio presenter Felicity Urquhart, passed away this week, leaving behind his wife and their two daughters, Tia and Ellie.
Tamworth’s Golden Guitar Awards’ Musician of the Year in 2017, the award-winning musician had worked with some of Australia’s biggest country music artists Kasey Chambers, Lee Kernaghan and John Williamson.
Following the tragedy, Urquhart farewelled Hannah in a heartbreaking Facebook post.
“Today we said goodbye to my darling Glen.
The saddest day of my life, broken beyond words and not sure how to do this alone.
He touched so many lives in the most incredible way and now lives on in our beautiful girls.
Thank you for all the love and support from our dearest friends and family”
Hannah committed suicide. Felicity Urquhart has taken some time off air to grieve and has also spoken out as a suicide prevention ambassador.
If this report has raised issues for you, help is available through Lifeline here, or call 13 11 14.
In typical fashion of almost all Australian media outlets, you won't be 'brave' to say it was suicide.
Just like domestic violence, sexual harassment and the many other barbarities hushed up in the past, suicide will continue to be a problem whilst it is not talked about.
No problem in history has ever 'gone away' by ignoring it.
Eugene,
Thanks for the comment. It is always a difficult thing to cover.
We try to follow the old convention of not reporting details of suicide deaths as it was always thought that it may inspire copycats, but I acknowledge that there is a new approach where talking about it (in the right way) can be helpful.
We will think on it and try to do better next time (let's hope there is no next time).
Meanwhile, if you are troubled and thinking of suicide please remember these things:
* People love you and will miss you if you are not there.
* It is a cruel thing to inflict on those who are left (this is the message Robin Bailey wants conveyed after the suicide of her husband).
* Not having you in the world is a loss - do not underestimate your contribution, even if you feel right now that it is not significant.
* You are not alone. Seek help here https://www.beyondblue.org.au, 1300 22 4636
If you know someone who is at risk, ask them (really ask them) Are You OK? and read tips on how you can help here.
www.beyondblue.org.au/the-facts/supporting-someone/supporting-someone-with-depression-or-anxiety
Steve Ahern