<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dd419ee6.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Matt Humphrey smiles for the camera, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n
Photo by Whittney Jean Photography courtesy of KerryAnn Humphrey<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s been a whirlwind ever since,\u201d Matt Humphrey said in the 2023 interview. \u201cAcute ICU, neuro rehab, lots of doing stuff on schedules, working out, trying to get better and so many ups and downs. It\u2019s been hard.\u201d<\/p>\n
He expected a quick recovery and to return to everyday life. When that didn\u2019t happen, KerryAnn Humphrey said her husband\u2019s mental health began to decline. That setback marked the start of a heartbreaking downward spiral.<\/p>\n
KerryAnn Humphrey said her husband contracted a bad case of COVID-19 in 2022. In March 2023, while his mother was in hospice care with multiple sclerosis, he caught COVID-19 again. He recovered just in time to see her before she passed. A few months later, on June 13, he suffered a stroke.<\/p>\n
The stroke landed him in the hospital for 33 days, and during that time, he responded well to physical therapy and counseling. But looking back, KerryAnn Humphrey realized he eventually stopped participating in physical, occupational and talk therapy. He did reach the point where he was driving again and working a few hours each day, but something had shifted.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn April, he kind of started to get discouraged and made comments about, \u2018Gosh, I thought I would be further along than this. I thought it would be easier than this,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Given their shared careers in occupational therapy, she said it was tough for her husband to help stroke patients while struggling to heal himself. He had hoped his body and mind would recover the way he had seen in others, but when that didn\u2019t happen, it weighed heavily on him.<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/66180acf96076.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey take a photo together inside their occupational therapy office during a St. George News interview in Hurricane, Utah, July 26, 2023.<\/p>\n
Photo by Jessi Bang, St. George News<\/p>\n
She also noticed signs of \u201cCOVID brain\u201d \u2014 lingering cognitive fog \u2014 which only worsened after the stroke. It felt like the stroke was slowly \u201cwhittling away at his brain.\u201d A former high school and college athlete, he also began experiencing flare-ups from old orthopedic injuries.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As a therapist, she often reflected on the impact of the frontal lobe, executive function and impulsive decision-making. Though hesitant to admit it, she also noticed her husband had started drinking more. Unfortunately, she said, he faced many risk factors for self-harm.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you don\u2019t tell people what\u2019s going on in your head \u2013 well, truly, if you\u2019re at that point, part of the risk factor is that they won\u2019t tell you, because it\u2019s their out,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd it\u2019s not so much that they want to die, it\u2019s just that they want out of that pain.\u201d<\/p>\n
After his stroke, he experienced four separate episodes that appeared to be additional strokes, each sending him to the emergency room. One of those episodes happened two weeks before he died. Each time, brain scans showed no new damage. The lack of answers led doctors to consider the possibility of multiple sclerosis and refer him to a neurologist.<\/p>\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dbaa58de.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Matt Humphrey recovers after suffering a stroke, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n
Photo courtesy of KerryAnn Humphrey<\/p>\n
KerryAnn Humphrey explained that multiple sclerosis is often mistaken for a stroke because the symptoms during an exacerbation can closely resemble one another. She said that getting an accurate MS diagnosis is usually a long and challenging process, and her husband did not have the chance to complete it.<\/p>\n
During this time, she said her husband suffered intense physical pain, waking each morning with stiff, locked muscles, which is a common effect after a stroke. His mental pain was just as deep, driven by his own struggles and the bullying he faced in public.<\/p>\n
A week before he died, he covered for an occupational therapist at a nursing home. That day, he came home feeling defeated, unable to work as he once had. At 6 feet 4 inches and 260 pounds in his prime, he could lift patients with ease. Now, even simple tasks were a struggle, and it weighed heavily on him.<\/p>\n
KerryAnn Humphrey said he came home more than once in tears because of hurtful comments from people in public. Additionally, the financial strain of his recovery weighed heavily on the family, and they considered selling their home to cover the costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had an argument, and the last thing he said was, ‘I\u2019m going to make it so you don\u2019t have to worry about me anymore,’\u201d she said, sobbing. \u201cI will never forgive myself for not knowing what that means, but I had no idea what that meant.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dc41cebf.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Matt Humphrey undergoes physical therapy after suffering a stroke, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n
Photo courtesy of KerryAnn Humphrey<\/p>\n
Humphrey said he took a pistol stored in their gun safe, got into his car and drove away. Their daughter was tracking his location and saw that he had stopped about a quarter mile from their home, where he stayed for about 10 minutes. Concerned, his daughter and KerryAnn Humphrey\u2019s assistant went to check on him. That is when they found he had taken his own life.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that he was trying not to have something like that happen,\u201d she said about the discovery. \u201cHe would not have thought about technology or that possibility. People say they are mad at him, or whatever, but I can\u2019t be mad at him. I think he just wanted out of pain, and unfortunately, it just didn\u2019t end well.\u201d<\/p>\n
KerryAnn Humphrey said that half of her medical training focuses on mental health, and she feels guilty for not recognizing the warning signs sooner. Despite that, she is determined to use her experience to help others.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy point is, I think we\u2019re in a freakin’ epidemic,\u201d she said. \u201cI really do. I think we\u2019ve got to do something \u2014 we\u2019ve got to do better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Humphrey emphasized the urgent need for more support and resources for stroke survivors. She believes there is a critical window in the first few years after a stroke when the risk of self-harm is significantly higher, and greater awareness is essential.<\/p>\n
She also called for better community suicide resources as a whole, pointing out that grief support groups often meet in places that can feel intimidating to some, such as a mortuary or church. In contrast, suicide support groups are held in hospitals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dc6d9ab9.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey smile for a photo inside their Occupational Therapy office in Hurricane, Utah, date not specified.<\/p>\n
Photo courtesy of KerryAnn Humphrey<\/p>\n
With Utah among the states with the highest suicide rates in the western U.S., Humphrey believes it ranks in the top three nationally, highlighting an urgent need for change. She attributes these high rates to a judgmental culture that discourages people from seeking help.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s across the country, we live in a freaking bullying, nasty world,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd in a lot of cases, people don\u2019t even do anything to teach their kids that they should do better. And that progresses to create mean, bullying adults in the workplace, the internet, road rage, you name it.\u201d<\/p>\n
She hopes to focus more on prevention, especially among young people who are struggling and giving up in increasing numbers. She wants to encourage open conversations about grief and trauma. While trauma is often seen as a frightening word, it can simply mean disappointment and heartbreak. She said that matters most is learning how to process those experiences.<\/p>\n
In her own healing journey, Humphrey adopted holistic practices, including purchasing a drum and sound bowls, as well as completing a sound healing training course. She hopes that from this tragedy, a positive path will emerge, helping her find her platform and teach others coping skills.<\/p>\n
Through her business<\/a>, she is expanding her offerings to include a breath salt room and a burn plunge room featuring infrared and cold plunge therapy. Her ultimate goal is to support people dealing with grief, trauma and pain, alongside the pelvic floor therapy she already provides. For now, she is allowing herself to fully feel her grief and process her emotions moment by moment without rushing the healing.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey works hard during physical therapy in St. George, Utah, date unspecified.<\/p>\n Photo courtesy of KerryAnn Humphrey<\/p>\n With June being Men\u2019s Mental Health Month, she hopes to raise awareness about mental health challenges faced by men and boys, encouraging men to prioritize their well-being, seek help when needed and break down the stigma surrounding mental health discussions.<\/p>\n And she wants people to remember her husband for the amazing man he was.<\/p>\n \u201cHe was a big teddy bear,\u201d she said between sobs. \u201cHe was very protective. I think he thought that he was saving me, or saving us. But he loved me very much. I know he did.\u201d<\/p>\n If you or someone you know is in danger because of suicidal thoughts or actions, call 911 immediately. Suicide is an emergency that requires help by trained medical professionals and should always be treated seriously.<\/p>\n
KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey pose together for a photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt and KerryAnn Humphrey pose for a photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey enjoys the outdoors with his dog, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey Humphrey smile for a photo after one of their children is born, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey smile for a photo inside their Occupational Therapy office in Hurricane, Utah, date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey smiles for the camera, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n KerryAnn Humphrey smiles for the camera, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey enjoys the outdoors, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey pose together for a photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey smile for a family photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey smile for a photo at their wedding, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey smiles for a family photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey recovers after suffering a stroke, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey undergoes physical therapy after suffering a stroke, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey take a photo together inside their occupational therapy office during a St. George News interview in Hurricane, Utah, July 26, 2023.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey works hard during physical therapy in St. George, Utah, date unspecified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey works hard during physical therapy in St. George, Utah, date unspecified.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey smiles for a photo during a St. George News interview in Hurricane, Utah, July 26, 2023.<\/p>\n Matt Humphrey works hard during physical therapy in St. George, Utah, date unspecified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey pose together for a photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt and KerryAnn Humphrey pose for a photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey enjoys the outdoors with his dog, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey Humphrey smile for a photo after one of their children is born, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey smile for a photo inside their Occupational Therapy office in Hurricane, Utah, date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey smiles for the camera, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n KerryAnn Humphrey smiles for the camera, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey enjoys the outdoors, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey pose together for a photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey smile for a family photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey smile for a photo at their wedding, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey smiles for a family photo, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey recovers after suffering a stroke, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey undergoes physical therapy after suffering a stroke, location and date not specified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n KerryAnn and Matt Humphrey take a photo together inside their occupational therapy office during a St. George News interview in Hurricane, Utah, July 26, 2023.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey works hard during physical therapy in St. George, Utah, date unspecified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n Matt Humphrey works hard during physical therapy in St. George, Utah, date unspecified.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
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\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561512_708_68519ddcdb393.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519ddab9637.image.jpg\"\/)
\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561512_117_68519ddab9637.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519db6c7f00.image.jpg\"\/)
\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561513_505_68519db6c7f00.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Baby](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dc9a1461.image.jpg\"\/)
\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561513_775_68519dc9a1461.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561513_552_68519dc6d9ab9.image.jpg\"\/)
\n <\/p>\n![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561513_352_68519dd419ee6.image.jpg\"\/)
\n <\/p>\n![\"KerryAnn](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dd7e510a.image.jpg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"Matt](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dc037ae8.image.jpg\"\/)
\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dc037ae8.image.jpg?resize=200%2C267\")
<\/p>\n![\"KerryAnn](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519de8e8050.image.jpg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"family](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dcd5e75c.image.jpg\"\/)
\n ![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561515_579_68519dcd5e75c.image.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"wedding\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dd046d69.image.jpg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"Family](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/68519dbd0f38f.image.jpg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"Matt's](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/1750561517_153_68519dbaa58de.image.jpg\"\/)
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<\/p>\n![\"‘Health](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/66180acec743b.image.jpg\"\/)
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