Mental health coordinator addresses 5 people found dead in Minneapolis in less than a week

Police in Minneapolis are trying to set the record straight after five people found dead in six days have fueled online speculation about an outside actor.

As of Friday, authorities and families of three of the victims have shared publicly that their deaths came as a result of battles with mental health.   

David Goehl-Manolis, a suicide prevention coordinator for the National Alliance on Mental Illness Minnesota, said in response to the deaths, "Really, sadness. It also confirms a fact that most people don't know."

It's further evidence of a saddening trend of spiking instances of self-harm during the late summer months.

"Help is available," Goehl-Manolis said. "Too many people, when they're struggling emotionally, keep it inside."

He later said, "It's important to put the record straight. Every suicide death is a tragedy. It's not helpful for anyone to start to spread rumors and take guesses about the means that was used."

He says if you or someone you know is struggling, call 988, a 24-hour confidential hotline.

Goehl-Manolis added that before fueling speculation online, people should consider that the loved ones of those who died could see their posts.

"I really encourage people to emphasize the way that someone lived their life and less on the way they died," he said.

Two deaths remain under investigation, including a badly decomposed body found in the waters of Bde Mka Ska. Police said they have no reason to believe any of the cases are connected. 

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress, get help from the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. Trained crisis counselors are available 24 hours a day to talk about anything. 

In addition, help is available from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, or NAMI. Call the NAMI Helpline at 800-950-6264 or text "HelpLine" to 62640. There are more than 600 local NAMI organizations and affiliates across the country, many of which offer free support and education programs.