Short Film on Plainwhite Tom’s Suicide Examines Grief in Digital Age

She was one of several family members and friends to receive personalized posts on their Facebook walls hours before the street performer known as “Plainwhite Tom” took his own life.

“I’m sorry. I couldn’t even begin to explain but this is for a greater good and I’m finally rid of all this suffering. I’m so happy we finally got to share an equal love and respect for one another. I didn’t think it possible all those years ago,” the message posted on his mother’s Facebook page read.

Loconti’s story is featured in a short film by 72U called “In Memory,” which examines death and grieving in the digital age. According to its website, 72U is a creative residency that aims to open people up to new ways of thinking, collaborating and tackling modern communication problems.

The short film features interviews with Mendralla, Loconti’s brother Scott Loconti, and other friends who detail how the Internet brought Plainwhite Tom’s network together before his death and continues to keep them connected now.

“I think Tom chose to end his life in such a public way by announcing it on Facebook because he lived his life in a very public way. He posted his last words, and I wish he had stayed around for a couple more minutes just to see the thousands of messages that were trying to get him to not do it,” said Izidora Angel, one of the friends featured in the film.

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