A Yurok citizen known for her work in suicide prevention and advocacy for expanding mental health services has been identified by officials as one of the two people who died in an apparent murder-suicide in Weitchpec earlier this month.
Celinda Jane Gonzales was 59.
In a tribute to her life and contributions to her community, the Yurok Tribe described Gonzales as “a devoted mother, primary caregiver for her elderly parents and tribal employee.”
“As a dedicated administrative assistant for the Tribe, Celinda worked tirelessly to connect Yurok people with Tribal services,” the social media post states. “Celinda would always go the extra mile to help fellow community members of all ages.”
“Celinda was deeply involved in Tribal governance and improving the lives of Tribal citizens,” the post continues. “She was a beloved friend to many Tribal Councilmembers, staff and community members. This is a tremendous tragedy for the Tribe.”
According to the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a residence on the 900 block of Lewis Road just before 9 p.m. Feb. 3 on the report of a possible murder-suicide. Inside the home, they found Celinda Gonzales and her husband Arthur Gutierrez Gonzales, Jr., 52. Their causes of death have not been released.
“The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office extends its heartfelt sympathies to the involved families, loved ones, and community, all who have been impacted by this tragic event,” the release states. “Anyone experiencing emotional distress or crisis is encouraged to seek support. If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available 24 hours a day and seven days a week, by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”
The deaths are being investigated by the Major Crimes Division, which is “working closely with the Yurok Tribal Police,” according to the sheriff’s office.
In a Feb. 12 email response to a follow-up inquiry by the Journal, HCSO spokesperson Erin Inskip said the case remains under investigation. “However, it is believed Celinda was killed by her husband, Arthur Gonzales, who then took his own life,” she wrote.
The Yurok Tribe has been offering grief support and other resources to the Gonzales’ family and members of the community.
In 2020, Celinda Gonzales’ suicide prevention work during the pandemic — and the painful personal past behind her efforts — were profiled in an article by the nonprofit news organization CalMatters, which the Journal ran in September of that year.
The story talks about her journey to advocacy in a region plagued by higher than average suicide rates, with Native community members even more at risk. That includes an 18-month span when seven young tribal members in Weitchpec, the small village where she lived, took their own lives, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency by the Yurok Tribe in January of 2016.
Some were Celinda Gonzales’ loved ones. At the time, she’d already lost her own son to suicide when he was 19 and her brother a few years earlier.
“Wanting to do more,” the article says, “Gonzales undertook an intense, emotionally draining suicide intervention training, learning what signs to look for, what protocols to follow, where to turn for help.”
Among the roles that Celinda Gonzales undertook over the years, according to the article, was training local police and fire departments — as well as those in her community — “not to assume their loved ones were ‘crying wolf.’”
The Yurok Tribe post on Celinda Gonzales’ passing brought an outpouring of affection and condolences, with many sharing memories of her, her work, her impact on her community and the joy she brought to those around her.
“So sorry for this passing, way too soon,” one person wrote. “She was my brave friend, I will miss so much, our laughs, sincere talks, advocating for a healthier, safer community. I will miss her strength within our Tribe.”
“The community has lost a strong advocate,” another wrote. “Healing prayers for her family and the entire community who will miss her dearly.”
“My heartfelt condolences to all of her family, friends, and all who loved her. She was such a bright light, always stopped to talk and sincerely asked how you were and how your family was,” another of the hundreds of tributes read.
“She truly cared for her community and her people and brought smiles to many faces with her uplifting spirit,” the writer continued. “You will never be forgotten Celinda and your spirit, love, and the joy you brought to all will always remain. Creator has gained another beautiful, sweet soul. May she rest in peace and be a guardian angel to all her loved ones.”
Kimberly Wear (she/her) is the assistant editor at the Journal. Reach her at (707) 442-1400 or kim@northcoastjournal.com.
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Not a single comment?
Disgusting.
How sad that this small community is so overwhelmed with depression and hopelessness, that they feel compelled to end their lives in a land with so much opportunity and promise. I have no idea of the circumstances, but how tragic is this story. This reality is it impacts us all as a society.