Boston Red Sox outfielder Jarren Duran and his parents both issued statements after Duran revealed in the docuseries ‘The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox,’ currently streaming on Netflix, that he attempted suicide.
The 28-year-old Duran said he was thinking about taking his own life when he wasn’t playing the way he was capable. But he has played strongly the past couple of years, including becoming an All-Star in 2024, and was named the MVP of that game after hitting a two-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to give the American League the lead.
‘I was already hearing it from fans,’ Duran said in the docuseries. ‘And what they said to me, [it was like], ‘I’ve told myself 10 times worse in the mirror.’ That was a really tough time for me. I didn’t even want to be here anymore.’
“Talking about this wasn’t easy, but it felt important,’ Duran added in a statement on Tuesday. ‘I trusted the Netflix crew, and I knew that if I was going to share this, I had to be real about it. A few years ago, I found myself in a dark place, but I’m still here, and I’m so lucky I am. And if my story can help even one person, then it was worth telling. It’s that ability to help, to reach those who feel alone, that motivated me to tell my story. Right now, my focus is on the field. We have a postseason to chase, and that’s where my head is. I’ve shared what I needed to share, and I appreciate everyone’s understanding that my focus right now is on baseball and helping my team win a World Series. I am grateful for the tremendous support I’ve received. If you’re struggling, please know there’s help. You can call a friend, a trusted person, your doctor, or an organization like Samaritans. And, if you’re in immediate danger, call 988.”
Duran’s parents, Octavio and Dena Duran said in a statement that there’s ‘nothing harder than knowing your child was in pain.’ and it was ‘heartbreaking to hear’ their son going through those struggles.
‘We are beyond grateful that he is still here, that he has found the courage to keep going, and that he is using his voice to help others,’ the Durans said. ‘If his story can help even one person, then it was worth sharing. We are incredibly proud of the man he is today and love him more than words can say. We will always be in his corner.”
Jarren Duran is batting .245 with seven RBI in 11 games this season.
If you or someone you know may be struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) any time day or night, or chat online.
Crisis Text Line also provides free, 24/7, confidential support via text message to people in crisis when they dial 741741.
