Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood says former WTVP president and CEO Lesley Matuszak took her own life.
Harwood said his office generally doesn't report when people die by suicide, but this case was different.
"The person that we're talking about was a business leader in Peoria, a significant and prominent figure that was held in high regard. And we felt that necessary just to let her public know what happened to her," Harwood said.
Matuszak resigned as head of WTVP a day before her death. She previously worked at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Peoria, and helped found the Greater Peoria Honor Flight.
It's been a difficult month for the Peoria PBS station. The board of directors laid off nine employees and cut the station's budget by 30% amid significant financial challenges that have recently come to light. Board chairman Andrew Rand said there was "questionable, unauthorized, or improper" spending involved. The station is also indefinitely suspending publication of Peoria magazine.
Harwood said Matuszak's family has struggled since her Sept. 28 death.
"In talking with her family, they didn't want this information publicly out there, quite frankly. But they understand that when we talk about something like this, we might be able to prevent it as well, by talking about prevention strategies and warning signs. And it gives us an opportunity to use her legacy to do that," he said.
Harwood said he's disgusted by some of the negative chatter and rumors that circulate on social media after events like this. He said suicides are hard enough for families, but speculation makes things harder for loved ones.
The coroner said the investigation into Matuszak's death is complete after conducting a forensic autopsy, analyzing evidence on scene, and collaborating with the Peoria Police Department. He said there's no reason to reach any other conclusion than the one released.
Holly Bill, the assistant manager at the Hult Center for Healthy Living, said highly publicized suicides can put vulnerable people at greater risk of taking their own lives.
"We try really to focus on the prevention and make sure that they know that there are resources out there, rather than, this is what has happened to this person," Bill said.
She said counseling and other resources are available through the Hult Center and the 211 Helpline. Sometimes, simply asking someone how they're feeling if something seems off is enough to get them on the path to help, she said.
"Opening the door to conversation is really, really important, especially when it comes to suicide prevention, just letting somebody know that we're humans, we're going to face difficulties. I'm here for you. I may not be able to solve all of your issues, but I will walk alongside you."
Bill said to call 911 if you believe someone is experiencing a mental health crisis beyond your ability to intervene.
The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached at 988.
