On Sept. 29, Michael Nickelotte Jr.’s remains were found in the woods off of Nicholson Dr. from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
“I saw the state his body was in and that’s not something that anyone should have to ever see,” said Wylder.
Nickelotte Jr. was a sociology senior at LSU. His friends describe him as “lovable,” “passionate” and “dedicated.” 
“He was a gentleman,” said Katherine Nugent, Nickolette’s former girlfriend. “He always opened the door for me, he always made sure I was alright.”
Nickelotte was an ROTC student and had dreams of being in the Marine Corps.
“He acted like this big tough marine, but he was the softest sweetest guy,” said Tiffany Lastinger, a friend of Nickelotte.
Nickelotte’s friends say he recently failed his physical fitness test for ROTC; a test which is taken to make sure cadets maintain an acceptable level of fitness.
After failing, Nickelotte’s friends say that they noticed a change in his behavior, making them believe that he was depressed. “It was like a part of him had disappeared,” said Russell Wylder, a friend of Nickelotte.
“I guess what was going through his mind was I gave up everything to be in this and now I might not even have the chance to,” said Lastinger.
Nickelotte’s roommate was the last person to see him alive. “I was in my room and I saw him go into the bathroom… it makes me sad that he was in that place and I couldn’t help him,” he said.
Health experts say while a painful experience can factor into suicide, this is an extremely complex issue. Often times, there are multiple contributing details. 
Nickelotte’s friends want others who are battling with something to know that it does not have to be the end.

“The feeling of doubt and the feeling of am I ever going to make it through this…the answer is you do,” Nugent said. “There is a light at the end of the tunnel.”
Health experts say untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, but depression can be treated. Suicide is preventable and if you are feeling suicidal, seek help immediately.
You can visit suicide.org or call 1-800-suicide. LSU students can also contact the crisis intervention center at 225-924-1431.  Their website is cicla.org