By:Summer Livengood

Alioht Valdes was a Key West cop who worked at the Key West High School (KWHS) during most of his service. He graduated from KWHS, later married his high school sweetheart, and had two beautiful daughters, both being under the age of 4. Alioht joined the Key West Police Department (KWPD) in his young 20s and sadly left this world on 2/22/22 at the age of 29 due to a self-inflicted suicidal gunshot, leaving behind family and friends. Knowing the family, I went over there to watch his beautiful daughters and help his wife out. Having his friends drop by bringing food and drinks, talking about arrangements and what he would want in his afterlife. 

Making sure that the family is doing better is the number one priority. Photos and a ceremony are being planned so he can be laid to rest. Alioht was a great man, and his wife and kids are devastated. The daughters, unaware of what the afterlife is, ask about their daddy all the time. The family will be hosting a church service for him, and the police will do their police departure and final goodbyes. KWHS has taken a great loss to this and is now saying and putting up posters with the phrase: “Say something, Do something.” If you see anyone trying to harm themselves, say something to a trusted adult. Help someone out. If you see something, you have to say something. You can be saving one’s life, while also helping family members. If you yourself are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevent Lifeline at 800-273-8255 to get help today.