Most beloved Nikki Jean Zell, 17, was stolen from the world by depression on March 31, 2026, at her home. She will be forever remembered for her bright personality and the light she brought to everyone around her. Nikki was born July 8, 2008 in Denver, CO. Nikki was a talented artist, musician, runner and a scholar. And she was an avid hiker ❤
I was devastated when I learned that Nikki had commuted suicide. It made no sense that a young, happy, energetic and talented woman would take her own life. I have since learned that suicide is actually a leading cause of death for Colorado’s youth and young adults. It remains a complex issue, with no one cause and with no quick fix. However, thanks in part, to facilities such as Children’s Hospital, the suicide rate is trending downward. Backed by the most recent research, the interdisciplinary team approach at the Colorado based facility offers suicide prevention programs which offers hope, connectedness and recovery to each child and the whole family.
To our donors and potential donors, because of your generosity, the staff at Children’s Hospital will continue to offer the much needed mental and other medical services to our youth and families. If you have not made a donation to support the work of Children’s, please consider doing so. Perhaps, the mental health issues which lead to thoughts of suicide are currently so complex that we can’t save every child, but maybe we can save one more. To that child, it’s family and to us, that is another step forward.
