Jony’s story has reached beyond his family and community, helping spark important conversations about youth mental health, suicide prevention, grief, belonging, and the power of showing up for one another. These stories document Jony’s life, the people carrying his legacy forward, and the changes his story continues to inspire.

FEATURED COVERAGE

WGME CBS13: Maine Mom Launches New Nonprofit to Help Teens, Families Struggling with Mental Health

WGME CBS13 — Brad Rogers — Sept. 23, 2026

WGME’s Brad Rogers shares Jony’s story and the mission behind The J.O.N.Y. Project, including youth mental
health and suicide prevention, connection before crisis, 77 Acts of Kindness, and the work being built to help teens
and families feel seen, supported, and less alone.

After Her Son’s Death, Maine Mom Turns ‘Pain Into Purpose’ With The J.O.N.Y. Project

York County Coast Star / Portsmouth Herald — Sept. 21, 2026

Reporter Shawn P. Sullivan profiles The J.O.N.Y. Project and the story behind its mission, including Jony’s final message, 77 Acts of Kindness, the 77-family Thanksgiving initiative, youth support, suicide prevention and mental health awareness, and the organization’s goal of turning pain into purpose while remembering Jony for how he lived.

Piscataqua River Bridge Suicide-Prevention Signage

In May 2025, new 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline signs were installed on the Piscataqua River Bridge following a series of deaths, including Jony’s. The coverage also documented renewed calls for stronger physical suicide-prevention barriers on the bridge.

Sanford Community Remembers Jony

Seacoast Online covered the Sanford community’s response following Jony’s death, including a candlelight vigil held at Wells Beach where family, friends, classmates, and teammates gathered to remember the 16-year-old they loved.

Sanford Football Carries Jony’s Legacy Forward

In August 2025, Jony’s teammates and coaches spoke about the impact of his death, the grief carried by the Sanford football community, and the importance of talking openly about mental health. The story also highlighted the ways Jony’s teammates continue to carry his memory with them.

Sanford Football Focuses on Mental Health After Jony’s Death

WMTW spoke with Sanford football players and coaches about losing Jony and the team’s effort to make mental health conversations part of their culture. The story highlighted grief, brotherhood, checking in on one another, and the importance of young people knowing they do not have to struggle alone.

Suicide-Prevention Barriers Recommended for the Piscataqua River Bridge

In April 2026, an engineering feasibility study identified wire-net fencing and rod fencing as leading suicide-prevention options for the Piscataqua River Bridge. Maine and New Hampshire then moved into additional engineering analysis to determine how a permanent barrier system could safely be added to the bridge.

MEDIA INQUIRIES

For interviews, press inquiries, additional information, or questions about The J.O.N.Y. Project and Jony’s story, please contact us.