Peter Helliar breaks down discussing friend's death on The Project
Content warning: This article discusses suicide
Peter Helliar has broken down on-air after discussing the death of his former radio colleague.
The emotional moment came during Tuesday night’s The Project when the panel discussed the importance of openly speaking about mental health.
They featured a segment about comedian Richard Marsland, who used to co-host a radio show with Peter, and who tragically died by suicide in 2008.
Speaking out
“Yeah. We need to keep talking about it [mental illness]. We need to keep listening,” Peter shakily told the audience after anchor Waleed Aly asked if he was okay.
“Only a few people knew, um, about Richard's history. I don't begrudge him not sharing that, or his family not letting us know at all. Such a loving family.
“But hopefully, 11 years on, we know how to have those conversations and we are better at having them.”
Richard Marsland’s death at just 32 shocked his listeners and the Australian media alike. He had just landed a gig hosting Triple M Melbourne’s breakfast show.
“Every day, about 10 million Australians wake up with brekkie radio. Along with an incredible comedian called Richard Marsland, 10 years ago I was lucky enough to be part of a brekkie radio team,” Peter said during the pre-recorded story.
Shock loss
What shocked those closest to the rising star was that few knew of his mental health struggle until it was too late, according to friend and Sunrise weather presenter Sam Mac.
“You kind of play back conversations in your mind or moments in your mind. You try to think, ‘could I potentially have helped in some way or let him know that’,” he said during the segment.
“Yeah, it’s still very raw. And it all comes back when you start talking about it.”
Peter echoed this sentiment during his emotional follow-up, telling the audience he wished Richard knew ‘just how much’ he was missed.
“He was the happiest person we knew, career was going great,” Peter revealed.
“I thought he had been murdered, just because it was so far from what I thought could possibly happen.
“He's certainly so missed. And as Sam said, you play things back over your head, and that just doesn't go away.”
Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467.
