Denver family honors son and raises awareness about mental health and OCD

An exhibit at the University of Colorado Anschutz displays photographs by the late Ryyan Chakra and his parents say it preserves how he saw the world; Ryyan died by suicide after a 2024 diagnosis of depression and obsessive‑compulsive disorder.

An art exhibit at the Fulginiti Pavilion for Bioethics and Humanities at the University of Colorado Anschutz is displaying photographs taken by the late Ryyan Chakra. The gallery presents images his parents, Tarek and Elizabeth Chakra, say preserve the way he saw the world. Ryyan was diagnosed in 2024 with depression and obsessive‑compulsive disorder and died by suicide; the exhibit honors his life and creative work. The Chakra family says the display is part of how they are channeling their grief into efforts to raise awareness and understanding about mental health. Key details: - The exhibit features Ryyan Chakra’s photographs and is located in the Fulginiti Pavilion at CU Anschutz. - Parents Tarek and Elizabeth Chakra describe Ryyan as humble, caring, and deeply supportive and were among the first to view the gallery. - The family said they took a trip to Japan where some photos were taken and that a few days after returning he died by suicide; Ryyan had been diagnosed with depression and obsessive‑compulsive disorder in 2024. - Rachel Davis, a professor of psychiatry at CU Anschutz, worked with the family and explained that OCD can involve obsessions and fears that go beyond everyday anxiety and can shape how a person experiences life. - The Chakra family has described plans to support research, deepen understanding of these conditions, address stigma, and encourage young people, particularly men, to open up. Summary: The exhibit keeps Ryyan Chakra’s photographic perspective visible while his family seeks to transform their loss into efforts to increase awareness of mental health and obsessive‑compulsive disorder. The family reports intentions to support research and reduce stigma; specific future events or programs tied to the exhibit are undetermined at this time.