Born on September 25, 2003, Maxwell Xiong grew up in North St. Paul, with his mother, father, and sister. At North High School, Maxwell participated in many extracurricular activities including Robotics, and JROTC. Outside of school, Maxwell had other hobbies like drawing, computer designing, muay thai, and jiu-jitsu. These activities would calm Max, and were primarily his motivation in life, and in happiness. 

Unfortunately, Maxwell’s happiness and life abruptly stopped on July 17th, 2021.  

“Maxwell passed away by suicide as a result of depression and various life circumstances,” says Maxwell’s mother Mee Yang,

Despite his death, he lives on through his parents, Mee Yang and Kou Xiong, along with his older sister, Krystal Xiong. Many friends: Parker Nelson, Lucas Haindfield, Anthony Demars, and Carter Shaul live on Maxwell’s behalf. 

“He was one of the kindest people I’ve ever met…could hold a super funny conversation for hours about nothing, he was great.” said Anthony Demars. 

Maxwell was described as reserved, intelligent, creative, kind, and comical. Maxwell used his intelligence to his best advantage, and joined activities and clubs that not only satisfied his mind, but his character. 

Many of Maxwell’s friends understood him and his hobbies, Parker Nelson and Anthony Demars participated with Maxwell in North High robotics. Maxwell’s interest in computer design and programming led him to robotics. 

Maxwell also had interests in general history, more so military history, which led him to join the JROTC program at North High. With many fellow friends in these clubs, Maxwell stayed close to his friends, and kept good ties. As COVID-19 began, separation of friends and school was put upon Maxwell as well as all students. 

Maxwell was diagnosed with ADD (attention deficit disorder) at a young age, Mee stated. “He is a bright young man but needed support and guidance on how to focus.” 

As COVID caused a disruption to school and his social life, Maxwell struggled with the workload of online classes, missing friends, and other factors. “He did not like school, being forced to do things. I could tell he didn’t have the passion for much of the work.” Parker Nelson stated. 

With the online school and not much interaction with friends, Maxwell had little to no motivation and interest in school. Maxwell still proceeded to go to school, and did not deny the idea of focusing on school, according to his mother. As Maxwell continued school, his head was not in the right place. 

“He was in pain and that pain inhibited his ability to see his future, his worth, and how special he is as an individual.” Mee concluded. 

The isolation caused by COVID-19 has been hard for all people, and many of us have won the battle. Maxwell was the fallen soldier of life in this harsh time. For those who feel the same way as Maxwell, or have the same symptoms of depression: loneliness, anxiety, doubt, and low motivation/energy—do not hesitate to speak to someone. It may seem as though suicide is the only answer, but it is not. The National Suicide Prevention hotline is: 1-800-273-8255.