Just days after losing their 14-year-old daughter to suicide, the family of Szedi Roush is sharing her story publicly in hopes of helping other young people who may be struggling.The Blanchester family says they want people to know who Szedi was — a funny, athletic and artistic teenager who could make anyone smile — while encouraging conversations about youth mental health and the importance of reaching out for help. “We feel that we were chosen to take Szedi’s story and reach the world and save kids,” said her father, Ricky Roush.Family members describe Szedi as a three-sport athlete, animal lover, artist and the middle child of five siblings.”When she walked into the room, she had a way of making you smile,” her father said.Her siblings remember a sister who was constantly joking around and could make people laugh.”She would call you an idiot and then tell you she loved you right after,” her brother, Sam, said with a smile.While the family is still searching for answers, they say one of the most difficult realities has been realizing that many of Sadie’s struggles were hidden from the people who loved her most.”Szedi hid it really well. So anyone can hide it really well,” said her sister, Szofi. “Just reach out to people, just communicate.”The family hopes sharing Szedi’s story will encourage young people to speak up when they’re hurting and remind parents, friends and loved ones that struggles are not always visible.”They would much rather have a hard conversation with you than never be able to have a conversation with you again,” said her brother, Sam.To carry on Szedi’s legacy, the family has established the Szedi Roush Foundation. They say the foundation’s mission is to help families access counseling, support and mental health resources while raising awareness about youth suicide. The family has created a Facebook page with a website to follow. https://www.facebook.com/share/18w11Kbz9T/?mibextid=wwXIfrIn just a few days, the foundation has already received thousands of dollars in donations from community members eager to support the effort. If you’d like to make a donation, you can click here.As loved ones prepare to gather for Szedi’s visitation and funeral Thursday, the family says they want people to remember the life she lived rather than the tragedy that took it. For Szedi’s stepmother, Georgeta Roush, there is one thought she keeps coming back to.”I really wish that Szedi would see herself in a mirror through the eyes of her dad, her siblings, myself, her mother,” she said.She hopes that message resonates with anyone who may be struggling.”We are so critical of ourselves, but reach out to somebody because you will be surprised how loved you are.”Services for Szedi Roush Thursday, June 18, 2026Blanchester Middle School GymVisitation: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.Funeral Service: 1 p.m.Mental Health ResourcesIf you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.Blanchester Local Schools is also providing guidance counselors for students struggling.
BLANCHESTER, Ohio —
Just days after losing their 14-year-old daughter to suicide, the family of Szedi Roush is sharing her story publicly in hopes of helping other young people who may be struggling.
The Blanchester family says they want people to know who Szedi was — a funny, athletic and artistic teenager who could make anyone smile — while encouraging conversations about youth mental health and the importance of reaching out for help.
“We feel that we were chosen to take Szedi’s story and reach the world and save kids,” said her father, Ricky Roush.
Family members describe Szedi as a three-sport athlete, animal lover, artist and the middle child of five siblings.
“When she walked into the room, she had a way of making you smile,” her father said.
Her siblings remember a sister who was constantly joking around and could make people laugh.
“She would call you an idiot and then tell you she loved you right after,” her brother, Sam, said with a smile.
While the family is still searching for answers, they say one of the most difficult realities has been realizing that many of Sadie’s struggles were hidden from the people who loved her most.
“Szedi hid it really well. So anyone can hide it really well,” said her sister, Szofi. “Just reach out to people, just communicate.”
The family hopes sharing Szedi’s story will encourage young people to speak up when they’re hurting and remind parents, friends and loved ones that struggles are not always visible.
“They would much rather have a hard conversation with you than never be able to have a conversation with you again,” said her brother, Sam.
To carry on Szedi’s legacy, the family has established the Szedi Roush Foundation. They say the foundation’s mission is to help families access counseling, support and mental health resources while raising awareness about youth suicide. The family has created a Facebook page with a website to follow.
https://www.facebook.com/share/18w11Kbz9T/?mibextid=wwXIfr
In just a few days, the foundation has already received thousands of dollars in donations from community members eager to support the effort. If you’d like to make a donation, you can click here.
As loved ones prepare to gather for Szedi’s visitation and funeral Thursday, the family says they want people to remember the life she lived rather than the tragedy that took it.
For Szedi’s stepmother, Georgeta Roush, there is one thought she keeps coming back to.
“I really wish that Szedi would see herself in a mirror through the eyes of her dad, her siblings, myself, her mother,” she said.
She hopes that message resonates with anyone who may be struggling.
“We are so critical of ourselves, but reach out to somebody because you will be surprised how loved you are.”
Services for Szedi Roush Thursday, June 18, 2026Blanchester Middle School GymVisitation: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.Funeral Service: 1 p.m.Mental Health Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of self-harm, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Blanchester Local Schools is also providing guidance counselors for students struggling.