On Saturday morning, September 5th, a man was found deceased near the Waverly Rail Trail in the northeast part of Waverly. The Waverly Police Department responded to the area around 11:30 a.m. and identified him as **Justin Allen Patten, 34, of Waterloo.**

His family has been notified, and our hearts go out to them, his friends, and everyone who knew and loved him.

Police have said the investigation indicates no ongoing threat to the public and that his death appears to have been a suicide. The official cause and manner of death will be determined following an autopsy by the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner. The investigation remains ongoing, and out of respect for Justin and his family, no further details about the scene will be released.

### Remembering a Life, Not Just a Loss

Justin was 34 years old — a son, a family member, a friend, a neighbor, a coworker to many. In moments like this, it is easy for headlines to focus only on how someone died. Today, we choose to pause and remember that a life was lived.

Thirty-four years is filled with stories, laughter, struggles, kindnesses given and received, moments that mattered. While those who knew him best will carry his personal memories, we as a community can honor him by holding space for his humanity, his dignity, and the grief his loved ones are now carrying.

To Justin’s family and friends in Waterloo, Waverly, and beyond — we see your pain. We mourn with you. May you be surrounded by love, support, and gentle understanding in the difficult days ahead. May you find comfort in the memories that made Justin who he was.

### A Community Grieving

This is a difficult time for Waverly. According to reports, this marks the third apparent suicide reported in the Waverly area this year. It is also the second time in the past nine months that a body has been recovered near the Rail Trail bridge, following a recovery from the river last November.

When losses happen close together, and in places many of us walk, bike, and gather, it can feel especially heavy. The Rail Trail is meant to be a place of peace and connection. For many, it will now also be a place of remembrance.

If you are feeling shaken, saddened, or anxious by this news, you are not alone. It is normal to feel a range of emotions after a loss like this in our community.

### September Is Suicide Prevention Month

Justin’s passing comes during September, which is recognized nationally as Suicide Prevention Month — a time to raise awareness, to check in on one another, and to remind every person that help is available and hope still exists.

Suicide is complex. There is rarely a single cause, and often no easy answers. What we do know is that compassion, connection, and access to support can make a difference.

If you are struggling, please reach out. If you are worried about someone else, trust that instinct and reach out to them too. A simple conversation, a text, a moment of listening without judgment can be more powerful than you know.

**You do not have to carry this alone.**

### How We Can Help Each Other

1. **Check in.** Call, text, or visit someone you haven’t heard from in a while.
2. **Listen openly.** You don’t need to have the perfect words. Just being present matters.
3. **Encourage help.** Let people know that seeking support is a sign of strength.
4. **Remember with kindness.** In the days ahead, share stories of care and kindness as you remember those we have lost.

### Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, mental health challenges, or grief after a suicide loss, please reach out right away:

**Call or Text 988 — Suicide & Crisis Lifeline**
Free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line, or contact your local mental health provider, pastor, counselor, or trusted medical professional.

To the family of Justin Allen Patten — we hold you in our thoughts. May Justin rest in peace, and may his memory be a reminder to all of us to lead with more grace, more patience, and more love for one another.