Zack and Deborah Snyder Step Down From 'Justice League' After Daughter Dies By Suicide

Zack and Deborah Snyder, the director, and producer of the upcoming “Justice League” movie announced on Monday they will be stepping down from the project to cope with the recent suicide of their daughter, Autumn Snyder, 20, a student at Sarah Lawrence College.

After Autumn died in March, Synder said he tried to return to work, thinking it would help him through his grief. “In my mind, I thought it was a cathartic thing to go back to work, to just bury myself and see if that was the way through it,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Celebrities and fans have expressed their condolences, following the Snyders’ departure from “Justice League” and news of their daughter’s death.

Our hearts are with the Snyder’s and have been. Truly good people and friends to so many. xoxo https://t.co/Q3cLX9ihlu

— Patty Jenkins (@PattyJenks) May 22, 2017

Sending our deepest condolences to Zack Snyder on the loss of his daughter. We will keep him and his family in our prayers.

— Geeks of Color (@GeeksOfColor) May 22, 2017

“What they are going through is unimaginable, and my heart — our hearts — go out to them,” Toby Emmerich, president of Warner Bros. Pictures, told The Hollywood Reporter on Monday.

Joss Whedon will take over for Synder and finish directing “Justice League.” “I’ve decided to take a step back from the movie to be with my family, be with my kids, who really need me,” Synder said.“In the end, it’s just a movie.”

Losing a loved one to suicide is difficult. We asked our mental health community what they would tell someone who recently lost a loved one.

Here’s what they shared with us:

“Hmm, that’s a tough one. First and foremost, do not blame yourself. The could have, should haves, what ifs will always be there, but you did NOT do this. Cry when you need to. Hold on to your spouse and other children – they need you as much as you need them. Never hesitate to talk about your child. Hailey will always be a part of our lives. Well meaning friends will want to “be there,” do not hesitate to tell them no if you need alone time. Reach out to others if you need to, but it’s also OK to be alone when you need to remove your “strong” mask. It’s OK to be mad and sad within minutes. Most of all, remember that your loved one did not want to hurt you, they just felt they had no choice. I am so very sorry for your loss”- Lisa A.

“One foot in front of the other. You are not leaving them behind, but carrying their memory on. The road may not always be easy and people will not always understand your pain. Some will be unkind. But you will find the strength each day to put one foot forward.”- Jeff S.

“They are not alone. And get info for support groups for them”- Raquel S.

“To be honest I wouldn’t know what to say as each person handles grief differently I’d advise them to ask for help when they need it and not push my emotions on them as they are grieving”- Lyndsey B.

If you or someone you know needs help, visit our suicide prevention resources page. If you are a suicide loss survivor, check out our list of resources for suicide loss survivors.

If you need support right now, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255, the Trevor Project at 1-866-488-7386 or text “START” to 741-741.

Header image credit: Justice League Movie Facebook