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Kristoff St. John was placed on a 72-hour psychiatric hold after someone called the police on Thursday night, according to TMZ. The Young & the Restless star had reportedly sent photos of himself “holding a gun to his head.” The initial report indicated that it was St. John’s ex-wife Mia who called the police, but she has since denied that report through a rep.
St. John has played the role of Neil Winters on The Young & the Restless since 1991. He has taken on a few small roles in television and film over the years and most recently finished filming A Christmas Cruise, which is set for release later this year, according to IMDb.
Back in November 2014, St. John’s son Julian committed suicide. The then-24-year-old had been getting help for Schizophrenia and addiction at La Casa Mental Health Hospital in Long Beach, according to an earlier report by TMZ. However, Julian took his own life while at the hospital.
“He was found dead in a bathroom with a plastic bag over his head.”
Sources close to the actor told TMZ that St. John is having a hard time coping with the death of his son and, with the anniversary of his death approaching, St. John is “very, very upset.”
After Julian’s passing, his mom (Mia) decided to start a foundation. She used her son’s art studio as part of her plan to help those suffering from mental illness. The “El Saber Es Poder” Foundation is a non-profit organization with a goal to “empower individuals suffering from mental illness, homelessness, addiction, and poverty by providing programs to better educate, inform and improve physical and mental health,” according to their website.
Julian’s studio, “Stone Art” in Palm Springs, California, was transformed into a “free center for young adults suffering from mental illness, including homelessness and addiction.” There are different classes available, ranging from art to boxing, that those needing help are able to participate in.
On December 2, they are holding a fundraiser in Los Angeles, hosted by Sugar Ray Leonard. Kristoff St. John has been involved with the organization over the years, but it is unclear if he will be attending this particular event.
