This letter was originally published April 9 of this year. We recently received a call from Melissa asking if we could republish it since September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We are more than happy to do so.

His name was Breece.

He was more than a headline, more than a moment, more than the way his life ended. He was a man who lived, loved, and he mattered deeply.

On the morning of February 20th, 2026, everything changed when he jumped from the Kingston–Rhinecliff Bridge. Just 10 days after his 50th birthday, the world lost him, but those who loved him lost so much more.

The grief, the devastation, the quiet weight of it … it’s something words can’t fully hold.

He was an incredible artist and cartoonist. He loved motorcycles and spent over 20 years as a Harley mechanic. Breece could recognize people by their bikes alone. He had a way of connecting with others, talking to anyone, anywhere. He was kind, intelligent, and thoughtful. The type of person you didn’t forget.

Breece grew up in the Hudson Valley, where it felt like everyone knew him. He was a swimmer from a young age all the way through the Junior Olympics and later attended The College of Saint Rose in Albany. He lived a full life. A life filled with experiences, travel, and countless memories shared with the people he loved.

My name is Melissa. Breece was my partner, my love, and my world for nearly 27 years.

He was deeply loved by so many, even as he carried a battle inside that many couldn’t see.

Behind his smile was a struggle with severe depression and he is missed.

“Breece, my love, I look for you everywhere I go. One day, I’ll look up, and I know you’ll be there.”

All my love,

Your Bunny

If his story reaches you, please know you are not alone.

Our hope in sharing Breece’s life is to bring awareness, compassion, and change, to create something meaningful from tragedy.

Senate Bill S3053 is currently being considered in favor of supporting safety and deterrence measures on bridges. These changes will create precious moments: a pause, an interruption. They can change a decision, save a life, and spare families from unimaginable loss.

Please reach out to your representatives and ask them to support this bill. I have spoken with Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, and she is in full support.

Even one life saved is everything.

Melissa Perez

Gardiner