Fort Ann hike lends strength to suicide prevention awareness

FORT ANN – Beneath mostly blue skies on Buck Mountain in Fort Ann Sunday were mostly blue shirts. There were more than 50 of them.

Others out for a hike there could see the words on their backs – “Nick’s Rescue Partners.”

That was the name given to friends and family of Nick Panetta. He was a 25-year-old man from East Greenbush who loved hiking. He took his own life last August.

This was the last mountain he climbed.

October 4 was selected for the Capital Region Out of the Darkness Walk. However, since mass gatherings are prohibited, groups like Nick’s Rescue Partners were encouraged to spread out.

The turnout was more than they expected. Each blue shirt helped lend strength and support to the family’s uphill journey. A family is now committed to helping others realize there is a better way.

MORE INFORMATION: Nick’s Rescue Partners