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Remembering My Best Friend's Extraordinary Life
Will Sargent was the warmest, funniest person I've ever known, but he also struggled with bipolar disorder until his tragic passing.
Apr. 2, 2026 at 2:00pm by Ben Kaplan
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The author recounts the life of his best friend Will, who was a vibrant, charismatic, and beloved figure in New York City. Will had a history of impulsive moves and struggles with bipolar disorder, which ultimately led to his suicide in 2016 at the age of 29. The author reflects on the highs and lows of their friendship, the lasting impact Will had on those around him, and how he continues to honor his friend's memory.
Why it matters
This story highlights the profound impact that mental health challenges can have, even on those with the most magnetic personalities and loyal friends. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of destigmatizing mental illness and providing better support systems for those suffering from conditions like bipolar disorder.
The details
The author and Will met as young boys at an all-boys school in Manhattan and quickly became inseparable best friends. Will was known for his movie-star good looks, infectious humor, and ability to befriend everyone he met. However, he also struggled with bipolar disorder, which led to academic and professional instability, including failed attempts at college and impulsive moves across the country. Despite his inner turmoil, Will remained a beloved figure in the author's life until his tragic suicide in 2016 at the age of 29.
- Will and the author met in first grade at Allen-Stevenson school in Manhattan.
- In 2001, Will began his freshman year at Lynchburg College in Virginia, while the author and his twin brother went to Trinity College in Connecticut.
- In 2009, Will took an extended trip to Alaska, where he worked a series of odd jobs.
- In 2010, Will told the author that he had been diagnosed as bipolar.
- On January 25, 2016, Will died by suicide at the age of 29.
The players
Will Sargent
The author's best friend since childhood, known for his charismatic personality, good looks, and struggles with bipolar disorder until his tragic death by suicide in 2016 at the age of 29.
The Author
The narrator of the story, who recounts his lifelong friendship with Will and the lasting impact his friend's life and death has had on him.
What they’re saying
“There are certain people in this world that things happen to. Not fame or glory, not scandal or triumph. They are simply put in the right place at the right time.”
— Will Sargent
“This bipolar game only gets worse when you second guess yourself. In my mind it will either be the clearest most beautiful sunny day or the darkest blackest hurricane you've ever seen. That's just the way it's always going to be. I will settle for overcast with a chance of a rainbow though, and that's what I strive for. 2012 is the beginning, not the end.”
— Will Sargent
The takeaway
Will's story serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact mental health challenges can have, even on those with the most vibrant personalities and loyal support systems. His tragic passing underscores the critical need to destigmatize bipolar disorder and provide better resources and care for those struggling with similar conditions.
