As of June 30, 2025, at 8 AM, I became aware of this story after watching a 30-minute documentary. Note, it is almost his going-home day.
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Remembering Carter Vanderbilt Cooper: A Call for Compassion and Awareness
In July 1988, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper—writer, son, brother, and beloved soul—died by suicide at just 23 years old. His death left a profound mark on his family, including his mother, artist and designer Gloria Vanderbilt, and his younger brother, journalist Anderson Cooper. More than three decades later, the pain of that loss still echoes, not only in their lives but in the hearts of many who have faced similar grief.
Carter was described as gentle, sensitive, and deeply thoughtful. In the days leading up to his death, he had been struggling silently, even while attending therapy. His mother later wrote that she believed side effects from an asthma medication may have contributed to his mental state. Anderson Cooper has spoken candidly about the enduring questions that followed: Why? Could we have done something? Did he know how much we loved him?
There are no easy answers. However, there is one thing we must address: mental health. We must create spaces where vulnerability is not met with shame, where seeking help is not a last resort, and where no one feels they have to carry their pain alone.
Gloria Vanderbilt once said, “Some people who knew Carter will start to talk about him and then say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry.’ And I say, ‘No, I love to talk about him. More, more, more.” That’s how we keep memory alive. That’s how we turn sorrow into purpose.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone. Your story matters. Your life matters.
#InMemoryOfCarterCooper
#BreakTheSilence
#HealingTogether
#SpeakTheirName
#MentalHealthAwareness
📞 If You’re in Crisis, You Are Not Alone
Call or Text 988 – The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 across the U.S. for anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis. It’s free, confidential, and staffed by trained counselors.
Alabama-Specific Support
Crisis Center (Central AL): (205) 323-7777
Youth Talk Line: (205) 328-5465
Senior Talk Line: (205) 328-8255
Crisis Services of North AL: 1-800-691-8426
For LGBTQ+ Youth
The Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText: Text “START” to 678-678
TrevorChat: Available at
If someone is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
.png)
Remembering Carter Vanderbilt Cooper: A Call for Compassion and Awareness
In July 1988, Carter Vanderbilt Cooper—writer, son, brother, and beloved soul—died by suicide at just 23 years old. His death left a profound mark on his family, including his mother, artist and designer Gloria Vanderbilt, and his younger brother, journalist Anderson Cooper. More than three decades later, the pain of that loss still echoes, not only in their lives but in the hearts of many who have faced similar grief.
Carter was described as gentle, sensitive, and deeply thoughtful. In the days leading up to his death, he had been struggling silently, even while attending therapy. His mother later wrote that she believed side effects from an asthma medication may have contributed to his mental state. Anderson Cooper has spoken candidly about the enduring questions that followed: Why? Could we have done something? Did he know how much we loved him?
There are no easy answers. However, there is one thing we must address: mental health. We must create spaces where vulnerability is not met with shame, where seeking help is not a last resort, and where no one feels they have to carry their pain alone.
Gloria Vanderbilt once said, “Some people who knew Carter will start to talk about him and then say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry.’ And I say, ‘No, I love to talk about him. More, more, more.” That’s how we keep memory alive. That’s how we turn sorrow into purpose.
If you or someone you love is struggling, please know that help is available. You are not alone. Your story matters. Your life matters.
#InMemoryOfCarterCooper
#BreakTheSilence
#HealingTogether
#SpeakTheirName
#MentalHealthAwareness
📞 If You’re in Crisis, You Are Not Alone
Call or Text 988 – The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 across the U.S. for anyone experiencing emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or a mental health crisis. It’s free, confidential, and staffed by trained counselors.
Alabama-Specific Support
Crisis Center (Central AL): (205) 323-7777
Youth Talk Line: (205) 328-5465
Senior Talk Line: (205) 328-8255
Crisis Services of North AL: 1-800-691-8426
For LGBTQ+ Youth
The Trevor Lifeline: 1-866-488-7386
TrevorText: Text “START” to 678-678
TrevorChat: Available at
If someone is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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