Blaine Alexander

He ended up, because he was so sick, having to remain out of work, which that was the first in his entire working life that he's ever missed so much work.

His health problems led to financial problems.

And then another blow.

His dog Zoe got sick and had to be put down.

It was all too much.

Losing his health, his dog, and Jake's family could tell it was taking a toll.

Soon, the normally upbeat persona was largely gone.

Did you get the sense that he was trying to put on a brave face for you?

I feel like he was trying to put it on for everybody.

Now, June 28th, 2014, after struggling with his health for a year and a half, Jake was gone.

The victim, it seemed, of his own depression.

and obvious suicide to first responders.

At the scene, Susan was telling police about Jake's health struggles and how sad he had been.

He documented Jake's gunshot as self-inflicted.

Open and shut, it seemed, but not to everyone.

What are you thinking at this point?

Susan Ember remembers the days following her husband's death as some of the hardest of her life.

I thought he was going to be the one that, you know, you grow old together.

This is Susan's daughter, Krista.

Were you talking to your mom throughout this time?