Phrase ‘died by suicide’ muddies the language

Published 1:30 am Thursday, April 20, 2023

In response to the recent article about the death of Instagram influencer and Everett native, Ashley Morrison (“Many mourn Everett’s ‘Youngest Old Cat Lady,’ Ashley Morrison,” The Herald, April 13): Please stop this nonsense of using the phrase “died by suicide.”

There is a difference between “dying” and “being killed.” Do you say a person who was murdered “died by murder?”

“Died” infers a passive act that is beyond human control, such as “died of natural causes” or “died of cancer.” It is death happening to someone rather than someone carrying out an act of killing. And yes, suicide is a premeditated act of killing just as murder is.

I know that you are simply copying this phrase because I have seen it used for a couple years now. Please stop. Be specific and intentional in your use of language, because words matter.

Tim Hayes

Syracuse, N.Y.