Paul Wedgewood, a Colorado State University student and Marine veteran, took his own life at age 25 on August 23.
Like many other veterans, Paul suffered from Post-Traumatic Disorder. He was being treated for PTSD, with support from family and friends.
Paul loved to swim, bike, skateboard, play football, read and play video games. Although an injury prevented Paul from swimming competitively, he turned to football as his new competitive sport.
Paul joined the Marines after graduating high school and served in the Marines from 2009 to 2013. He felt that the Marines were the toughest and was proud to be fighting with them.
In honor of his sacrifices for serving in the United States military, he received many awards including the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (USS Peleliu), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal and the NATO Medal ISAF Afghanistan.
Paul is survived by his parents, John and Helen Wedgwood, and his brother, Adam Wedgewood. Other survivors include grandparents, Horst “Dutch” and Antonia Clos of Apache Junction, AZ , and grandmother Mary “Fran” Wedgewood of Chicago, IL. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Gordon “Wedge” Wedgewood.
Before Paul’s passing, he was working at CSU in the Facilities Management department.
A memorial service for Paul was held on September 2 at Veterans Plaza in the Spring Canyon Park in Fort Collins.
Wedgewood’s family would like to raise awareness of veterans who may have traumas from serving in the military, and is asking for donations to various organizations provide resources to veterans with PTSD. Organizations include Elder Heart, Semper Fi Fund, Speak Up and Beaux Mettler Foundation.
A gofundme campaign has raised $1,445 in 11 days to support Paul’s family.
A memory page for Paul Wedgewood to send condolences can be found here: http://www.allveterans.com/obituaries/paul-lucian-wedgewood/