(ABC 6 News) – Saturday marked the 5th annual ‘Ride for Wyatt’ event, where the community of Mantorville, MN came together to support Matt and Michelle Coy, parent’s to Wyatt Coy.

The goals of this event are to raise awareness, and prevent the kind of tragedy and heartbreak, the Coy family experienced 7 years ago. After their son Wyatt took his own life.

Saturday’s event, typically a snowmobile memorial ride, was quickly adjusted after the snow was nowhere to be found. But that didn’t stop the Mantorville community from coming together.

“In the past we’ve called this event the ride for Wyatt, well we’re not exactly riding, so we can’t call it that [this year],” said Matt Coy, Wyatt’s father.

With no snow on the ground, the community decided to shine some light on a day shadowed in tragedy.

“We’ve all been on snowmobile trips where the conditions just aren’t fit to ride; so what do we do then? We talk, we drink, we eat; and just enjoy being together,” said Coy.

There is far too big a gap between the resources available, and the resources that are needed for someone seriously considering a suicide attempt.

In 2021, we lost about 800 Minnesotans to suicide, and we’re not alone.

“Nationally, we know that suicide is a complex public health issue, here in the United States we lose about 48,000 people to suicide every year,” said Amanda Leininger, Minnesota Area Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

She goes on to say, “that statistic is equivalent to a plane crashing every single day.”

Events like ‘Ride for Wyatt’ not only help to raise awareness, but shows the kind of impact Wyatt continues to have in his community.

“Wyatt was a funny kid who really liked to help people, he was really into others. Unfortunately he wasn’t able to see his own light,” said Coy.

He goes on to say, “but this event makes it possible for him to continue to help others, which is what he really wanted to do.”

If you or someone you know is interested in donating or want to get involved with future events; head to the ‘Ride for Wyatt’ website.