Staff Reports
MORENCI – As autumn leaves begin to fall in the high desert, the small mining town of Morenci is preparing to unite once again in remembrance and resolve. The 9th annual Coty Denogean Memorial Suicide Awareness Walk is set for Saturday, Nov. 8, at 9 a.m. at the Morenci High School football field, offering a morning of reflection, support, and steps toward healing for those touched by suicide loss.
Organized by Greenlee County Supervisor Ron Campbell and his wife, Theresa, the event honors the memory of their nephew, Coty Denogean, a vibrant 17-year-old who tragically took his own life in 2013 without any apparent warning.
“We do this walk in memory of our nephew Coty, who at the age of 17 wrote his own ending. No warning, no hints, no drugs—just made a final decision that he didn’t think he could go on,” Campbell shared in a statement to the community.
What began as an intimate gathering of family and friends has blossomed into a beacon of hope, drawing hundreds of attendees each year and underscoring the growing need for open conversations about mental health.
The day’s schedule is designed to foster connection and catharsis. Registration kicks off at 9 a.m. and runs until 9:30 a.m., followed by heartfelt testimonials and a symbolic balloon release from 9:30 to 10 a.m. The core of the event—a gentle 2-mile walk—will take place from 10 to 11 a.m., allowing participants to move together in solidarity. Lunch will be served immediately afterward, providing a warm space for continued fellowship and conversation. Free T-shirts will be available to registrants while supplies last, a tradition that has become a cherished memento for many.
This year’s walk holds added significance, falling just days before Veterans Day on Nov. 11. Organizers plan to shine an extra spotlight on veteran suicide, a pressing issue that claims far too many lives.
“This walk is to raise suicide awareness and to let others know that there are people who care and are willing to listen,” Campbell emphasized. “We need to be more open about suicidal feelings and get rid of the stigma and shame.”
With attendance and volunteer numbers steadily climbing—mirroring the event’s evolution from its humble 2014 debut—the Campbells see it as a powerful tool for education, particularly among Morenci High School students.
The event’s impact extends beyond the morning’s activities. Funds raised through a longstanding 50/50 raffle support scholarships in pursuit of suicide prevention, with plans underway to expand fundraising via prize raffles. “The fact that we are able to get attention to suicide prevention to our community and especially high school students is powerful,” Campbell noted. Backed by generous community partners, the walk embodies a collective commitment to turning grief into action. As Campbell put it, “Our goal is to raise awareness, allow survivors to cope, and to make a difference, even if it is just one person.”
The Coty Denogean Memorial Suicide Awareness Walk has woven itself into the fabric of Morenci’s story of resilience. From its inaugural year as a small vigil to the 8th annual gathering last Nov. 9—which featured student-assisted balloon releases and poignant stories like that of Clifton Town Clerk Cecilia Jernigan recounting her son Kwentin’s loss—the event has grown into a vital resource. It reminds participants they are part of “a club nobody wants to belong to,” yet one rich with solidarity, shared stories, and access to support.
Those interested in participating or volunteering are encouraged to contact Ron Campbell at 928-965-0949 or Theresa Campbell at 602-762-0511. Early registration and T-shirt pre-orders are recommended to ensure availability. In a world that often whispers about mental health struggles, Morenci’s walk shouts back—with compassion, community, and a promise that no one walks alone.
