An Erie father is opening up about the loss of his daughter, hoping her story encourages other families to recognize the often‑hidden signs of youth mental health struggles.
Michael Kerchansky says his 15-year-old daughter, Ziva, was vibrant, creative, and full of personality — a teenager who expressed herself boldly through art, fashion, and music. But after the isolation of the COVID‑19 pandemic, he says he watched her change in ways he still struggles to understand.
“She loved to express herself… don’t care what people think, express yourself and do what you’re going to do,” Kerchansky said. “That’s how she lived.”
According to Kerchansky, the outgoing, social teen became withdrawn almost overnight. Anxiety, depression, and the pressures of returning to normal life after months of isolation began to weigh heavily on her. Ziva started therapy and medication, but Kerchansky says much of her pain remained hidden.
“She wanted to be a therapist. She said she wanted to help people to with the same problems she had. And then after that, going through a lot of her stuff. I knew she had problems… but I didn’t realize how sick she really was,” he said.
Ziva died by suicide last fall.
Now, Kerchansky is sharing her story publicly — not only to honor her life, but to urge parents to slow down, pay attention, and have difficult conversations with their children.
“Sometimes people are reaching out, but we’re not seeing what they’re throwing at us,” he said.
He says grief shows up in the smallest moments: an empty chair, a quiet room, the absence of a voice that once filled the house with music.
“There’s a void in your life, and you know it’s never going to be filled again,” he said.
Even through that pain, Kerchansky says he hopes Ziva’s story helps other families recognize early signs of struggle and take action.
“If you see somebody struggling, even minorly — ask questions. Do something,” he said.
Kerchansky says continuing to talk about Ziva is one way he hopes to raise awareness around youth mental health and suicide prevention.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, help is available 24 hours a day through the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.