A 25-year-old man from Brighton died by suicide outside Huron Valley Guns in New Hudson, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office has confirmed. A store employee called authorities, and deputies arrived at the scene shortly after 1 p.m.
According to The Oakland Press, Deputy Tyler Sweers, a spokesperson for the sheriff's office, said the man died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Sweers said the employee's call prompted the quick response outside the New Hudson store.
The Oakland County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the death but has not released additional details about the man beyond his age and hometown, per the same account. No further information about what led up to the incident has been made public.
A Persistent Public Health Toll Across Oakland County
The death adds to a somber tally that local health officials have been tracking closely. Oakland County recorded 150 suicide deaths in 2024, with an age-adjusted rate of 10.1 per 100,000 residents, according to Oakland County Times. That figure follows 160 deaths in 2023, 151 in 2022, 156 in 2021 and 155 in 2020, showing the toll has remained stubbornly consistent year after year.
Statewide, the picture is similarly grim. Michigan recorded 1,443 resident suicide deaths in 2024, the outlet reported. Oakland County Times also noted that firearms remain the most common method of suicide in the county, and that males are more affected than females across age groups.
Firearms Remain the Leading Method Statewide
The pattern reflected in Tuesday's death echoes broader state data. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services maintains historical records on intentional self-harm deaths by county dating back to 1980, drawn from Michigan resident death files kept by its Division for Vital Records & Health Statistics.
Separately, the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission has reported that in 2021, the state lost 1,482 residents to suicide, and that 55 percent of those deaths — more than 800 lives — involved firearms.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24 hours a day by calling or texting 988.
