Romance radio host Delilah speaks out after son’s suicide

Syndicated radio host Delilah Rene is known for helping her fans across the country overcome painful breakups through the power of music.

Now, the “Queen of Sappy Love Songs” is facing heartache of her own.

On Oct. 7, Rene took to Facebook to announce the devastating news that her son Zachariah had died by suicide.

Her son had been fighting depression for a while, it seems, though he ultimately succumbed to the disease.

“He was being treated, counseled, embraced fiercely by family and friends while battling depression for some time now.”

“My heart is broken beyond repair and I can not fathom how to go on…but I have to believe he is at peace with the Lord and that God will get us through,” she wrote in her post.

Taking A Break To Heal

She went on to let her fans knows that she will be absent from both the radio and social media for some time to “grieve and process this loss” with her family.

“Please pray for my beloved Zacky, and I will pray for all suffering from this debilitating disease called depression,” she wrote.

She shared a few other photos of Zach in his memory, including this one of him smiling and giving a thumb’s up.

She wrote: “There will not be another “normal day” with my Zack-Attack, at least not in this lifetime.” 

“No more cooking his favorite foods or bringing home gallons of his favorite juice, no more laughter around the bonfire or Christmas mornings. My heart is struggling to continue to beat.”

She went on to write that her family is remembering Zach for his energy and his smile.

“Thank you for your prayers, love and support. Please pray for his grandparents, his siblings, his dad and his friends. We are all doing our best to focus on his joyful heart, his wild free spirit and his smile.”

Outpouring Of Support

Rene’s post was met with an outpouring of sympathy and support from her fans, having now received over 177,000 comments.

Her fans shared their own experiences with depression and suicide, proof that no one is alone when it comes to mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.

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“Dear Delilah! There are no words. My heart is breaking for you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers and pray that somehow God will find a way to bring you some peace,” read one comment.

‘My Heart Is Broken’

“He had an ache no one could soothe and demons no one could quell. He is at peace, his struggle in over and he can now rest. May God hold your son in His loving arms and carry him home. I pray our Lord cradles your family close to His heart and grants you solace in the painful time. Our hearts and prayers are with you,” said another.

Another commenter wrote: “Oh Delilah, I’m so sorry. My son took his life 6 years ago so I understand the grief you are in and the journey you must follow. Please feel free to reach out for support as you travel down this difficult road. Prayers and blessings to you and your family. My heart is broken.”

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The single mom has 12 other children, many of whom are adopted. Zachariah was one of her three biological children.

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Unfortunately, this is not the first time Delilah has dealt with the pain of losing a child. In 2012, her son Sammy died from complications from sickle cell anemia.

Fans wishing to send their condolences are encouraged to do so at Easy 93.1’s Facebook page.