Melee It On Me – Remembering Jarrett “Solaris” Bortscher

Jarrett “Solaris” Bortscher was a talented Samus player and valued community member from Alberta, Canada who had high-functioning autism and chronic catatonia. Despite these challenges, Jarrett always pushed himself to excel in everything that he loved. Sadly, as Jarrett’s medical support began to dwindle upon reaching adulthood and his catatonia began having more and more of an impact on his life, Jarrett took his own life two years ago in September of 2012 at the age of 18 after a long fought battle with depression.

Picture: Solaris preparing to counter a knee from The Punch Crew’s MikeMonkey.

About Jarrett

For those of you who are not familiar with the disorder, those who are catatonic suffer from symptoms such as mutism, rigidity, and loss in motor skills. Despite his inhibited motor skills, Jarrett was an incredibly talented break dancer and the most absurdly technical Samus player here in the great north. Most people would just use Samus’ extender and her superwavedash to style, but Solaris utilized them in tournament matches. If you were able to take a game off him, you get to choose between letting him take you to Yoshi’s Story or to Pokemon Stadium, but either way you were setting yourself up to play a game of Galaga. Although his Asperger’s impaired his speech, you could still see the glow and excitement in his eyes when he landed an incredible combo or pulled off a clutch win. He was a smasher who exemplified the depths of the human spirit despite incredible adversity.

Jarrett breaking dancing at a local event

Jarrett received proper medical support until he reached 18 and was released from the child care system at a local hospital. Jarrett was waiting to transition into the adult psychiatric system, which was expected to take upwards to two years. Unfortunately, Jarrett went missing on September 23, 2012 after not returning from a walk. There were massive search parties with emergency crews, friends, and family. His body was later found in the North Saskatchewan River three days later by emergency crews near a local bridge.

The Alberta Smash Community

Although his loss is tragic, our community continues to gather annually not to mourn, but to celebrate Jarrett; we celebrate the laughter and joy he shared with us over the 8 years he had been a part of our community, and the warmth and inspiration that he has left behind. This year, the Alberta Smash Community is hosting Jarrett’s Tournament 3 to raise awareness for autism and to raise awareness for services for those suffering from mental health issues and depression (see end of article for further information). In addition, 100% of the proceeds raised for Jarrett’s Tournament 3 will be donated to the Autism Society of Edmonton Area.

Jarrett’s Tournament 3: www.facebook.com/events/835587316460665

Jarrett was everything that made the smash community such an incredible community to be a part of. He was kind hearted, enthusiastic, and, of course, fiercely competitive. He was a friend, a partner, and a rival. And when he left he reminded us of how supportive and accepting the smash community is, regardless of circumstance or condition.

The Alberta Smash Community at Jarrett’s Tournament 2

If you would like to donate towards the Autism Society of Edmonton Area, you can access their donation page here (http://www.autismedmonton.org/donate). If you believe in the cause, I would encourage donations to be made out to local mental health services. If you, or anyone you know, is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, please reach out to some you trust. There are also crisis lines available around the world through the International Association for Suicide Prevention (http://www.iasp.info/resources/Crisis_Centres).

I know I can speak on behalf of the Smash Community in that, we hope that wherever Jarrett is now, he can see just how big his family has grown Jarrett, you will always be remembered.