Our community is deeply saddened and shocked by the death of Cody Isley, a 2010 graduate of Gilmer County High School, who passed away Jan. 10, 2011 at the age of 18. We would like to extend our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Cody for their recent loss.
Memorial services will be held Saturday, January 22 at 4 pm at the Bernhardt Funeral Home Chapel in Ellijay with family and friends officiating. Family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m.
According to an authority of the Criminal Investigation Division of the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, the medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of Cody’s death. Detective Hilton, the primary investigator, could not be reached for comment.
Facebook postings by Cody telling his friends he’d decided on a New Year’s resolution, and that ‘they’d know when it happens,’ lead many to wonder if his death was premeditated.
Kim Smith, a friend of Cody’s, could not comment on what might have happened, but shared the following fond memory with fetchyournews.com:
I was a really good friend of Cody Isley’s. I have known Cody since 2005 and we have had so many memories together. But the one i remember the most is the night he got his nickname. My aunt graduated in 2007 and came to spend that summer with me. At that time i was dating Cody’s best friend Damien, and there would be times that summer that me and my aunt and Damien would stay up pretty late and talk on the phone. Well one night we had been talking and Cody was over at Damien’s house. My aunt and I was joking around and she called me muffin and i called her kitty. well Damien was like “hey I’m called kitty” and i was like well we will call you Neko (Japanese for cat). Then Cody was like “Hey, I want a nickname,” so we called him bunny. That name has stuck ever since. I still can’t believe my bunny is gone. I loved him so much. Kim
SOURCES FOR HELP
According to a Georgia Crisis Line staff member John G., friends and family members do have options if they suspect someone is troubled.
It’s best to reach out,” John G. said. “Anyone can go to a local emergency room for an evaluation even if they don’t have insurance. Should a professional determine the individual is in danger, he or she can be transported to Highland Rivers in Cedartown or Dalton on an involuntary basis. Or, an ER doctor may discharge and recommend follow up with a mental health outpatient treatment facility.
While suicide has not been determined in Cody’s case or meant to be implied, John G. said there are telltale signs that should not be ignored that point to suicidal tendencies. Changes in eating or sleeping habits. Depressed mood. Letting go of possessions. Odd statements made by individuals should not be ignored or denied. John G. said to ask the person if they’re having thoughts of taking their life. If they hesitate, there’s probably a problem.
Friends and family members can reach the Georgia Crisis Line 24/7 at 1-800-715-4225.
Loved ones grieving the loss of Cody are encouraged to seek support. For those who don’t have a pastor or counselor, online grief support group communities are an option. Griefnet.org has a companion site, KIDSAID.com, that provides a safe environment for youth and parents to ask questions and gain knowledge and support anonymously. Webhealing.com, established in 1995, offers grief discussion boards.
Cody Isley was born on March 16, 1992 in Marietta, Georgia. Survivors include: Parents: Rodney and Vikki Isley of the home; Brothers: Andrew Isley, Paulding County, Jarrod Isley, Ellijay; Sister: Kelic Isley, Ellijay; Grandmothers: Mary Audia & Evelyn Poulsen both of Paulding County.