The shocking death of 36-year-old Jan Pace on Sunday afternoon has sparked calls for increased support and awareness about people struggling with mental health issues.
Friends described the Pieta’ hairdresser as “a gentle and caring soul.”
“The world will feel heavier without you in it… You brought light to so many lives, and that light won’t fade,” wrote DJ and record producer Carlo Gerada, who went on to call for “anyone struggling in silence, please reach out. You’re never alone, and sometimes a simple conversation can be the start of real healing.”
Jan was last seen on Wednesday and was reported missing on Saturday. He was found dead on Sunday afternoon in a property in Marina Street, Pieta.
Even before Sunday’s grim discovery, Crisis Resolution Malta, a mental health support service offering 24/7 assistance, said in a statement on Saturday that Jan may have been facing a serious personal crisis.
Commenting on Facebook about Jan’s death, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said: “Malta has lost another young man too soon…. we need to do more for our nation’s boys and young men, and much more to raise awareness about the support systems and mental health services available.”
Lydia Abela, wife of the prime minister, had the same message and called on people to show compassion and listen to one another.
The shadow minister for health, Adrian Delia said Jan’s death reminded everyone about the many people suffering in silence. “We need to be more present, we need to speak more to one another and provide stronger support to those around us,” he said on Facebook.
Messages also poured in from the LGBTIQ+ community. The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM) said that Jan’s death is a reminder of “the silent battles” many faced.
One community member wrote: “Loneliness and feeling misunderstood is a new epidemic in the LGBTIQ+ community, ironically at a time when we seemingly have more visibility and acceptance. I doubt there is a person amongst us who knew Jan Pace who will not agree how likeable and beautiful he was. But what do we ever know about a person’s internal struggles? I hope we are able to reach out and ask if our friends are OK, and maybe hope that can make a difference.”
People involved in the entertainment industry also paid tribute to Jan – who has spent some years pursuing a dream to become a singer. These included television and radio host Eileen Montesin, who described Jan as a young man “filled with enthusiasm”. Similar tributes were made by MP and former television host Claudette Buttigieg and DJ Carlos Gerada.
Friends and relatives also wrote about how supportive Jan always was of them and their dreams, with several noting how they would miss hearing his laugh and his words – “I love you hon” – that ended every conversation.
“I’ll never forget how supportive you were of my dreams and how kind-hearted you were to everyone around you. Your beautiful smile could light up any room,” one friend wrote.
‘Seek support’
If you are feeling depressed and need support, or need guidance on how to help someone who is suicidal, call 1579. You can also call Richmond Malta’s helpline on 1770. One can also type OLLI.Chat on their desktop, mobile, or tablet browser to chat with a professional. If you have been affected by suicide, you can call Victim Support Malta on 2122 8333 or email info@victimsupport.org.mt.
MGRM’s Rainbow Support Services can also be reached via www.maltagayrights.org/rainbow-support-services, 7943 0006, or support@maltagayrights.org.