Clay Adler is no longer with us.
But more than just his spirit will live on.
As tragically reported on Tuesday, Adler committed suicide late last month when he shot himself in the head during an afternoon out in the desert with friends.
A star on MTV reality series Newport Harbor for its two-season run, Adler had landed a couple small roles in a couple small movies back in 2009, actually befriending Jennifer Lawrence in the process.
The two hit Hollywood right about the same time.
“Clay brings Jennifer back to her humble beginnings and hearing that he took his own life really has made Jennifer feel heartbroken,” a source told Hollywood Life of the Oscar winner’s reaction to this news.
The insider concluded:
“It is really sad because she remembers him fondly and never wants to hear anything like this happen to anyone… she is really bummed out over it.”
Adler’s father, meanwhile, has spoken directly to People Magazine.
He has confirmed that his son died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, but also that “out of every bad thing,” can come a “good thing.”
Meaning what, exactly?
“Clay had requested that his organs – and he did this years ago when he applied for a driver’s license – that his organs be donated to people,” says Frank Adler, telling the publication that Clay has already “saved about for or five lives.”
There were no drugs and no alcohol found in the 27-year old’s system at the time of his suicide.
But Adler had reportedly suffered for years from mental illness.
Still, Frank says, he was unaware that his child was struggling with anything specific in his personal life.
“There were no signs. No real signs,” he tells People, emphasizing that Clay “had been clean for several years.”
A funeral was held last month for Adler.
He shot himself on March 25, but doctors were able to keep him alive an extra day so that family members could say goodbye and so that his organs could be properly harvested.
“They kept him alive a little bit longer so that he could do the donations we’re talking about,” says Frank.
“The hospital did say that he’s donated more than they’ve ever seen because his internals were in phenomenal shape.”
Frank says that several people have come forward to express their gratitude for Clay’s organ donations, meaning his son at least leaves behind a special legacy.
“That’s a good thing that came out of it,” Frank concludes. “Clay would be thrilled that these people are now living because of him.”
NOTE:
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, please call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. It is open 24 hours a day.