Marine Veteran Enrique Ramos Jr.’s Struggle With Mental Health Highlighted After Tragic Death at VA Hospital

 New details have emerged surrounding the tragic death of 33-year-old Marine veteran Enrique Ramos Jr., who was found deceased in the parking lot of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans’ Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. According to San Antonio police and hospital officials, Ramos, a former U.S. Marine, called 911 before taking his own life on Thursday afternoon.

Ramos struggled with mental health challenges and difficulties accessing proper treatment. A note he left behind revealed his concern for loved ones, asking them not to blame themselves. “I love you all, and there's nothing you could have done to prevent this. So I don't want any of you blaming yourselves that you could have stopped my death,” he wrote.

Friends and colleagues expressed sorrow over his passing. Jessica Hayes, who worked alongside Ramos, said she regrets not doing more to help him seek support. Ramos’ death marks the second veteran suicide at the hospital this year, underscoring the ongoing concerns about veteran suicide rates, which remain 1.5 times higher than non-veterans.

A GoFundMe fundraiser started by Ramos’ relative, Maria Jimenez, provided further insight into his struggles. She revealed that he faced multiple misdiagnoses and was taking ineffective medications before learning he had a rare autoimmune disorder, Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. “In hopes of getting the right treatment, he tried everything to get better,” she stated.

Dr. Larry Miller, whose son also tragically died at the same hospital earlier this year, called for urgent improvements in veteran support systems, saying, “They are failing our veterans.” The South Texas Veterans Health Care System confirmed that the hospital remains secure, operational, and open while local authorities continue their investigation into Ramos’ death.

Enrique Ramos Jr.’s story highlights the ongoing need for improved mental health care, support, and access for veterans facing complex medical and psychological challenges.