Dustin’s father, Nathan Esterline is calling for change through his social media posts to avert further tragedies.
Highlights
- Dustin Esterline was a talented athlete and respected leader, playing a key role in Millington High School’s football success.
- His tragic passing deeply impacted the Millington community, leading to an outpouring of grief, tributes, and calls for mental health awareness.
- His father and others urged the community to take action, emphasizing the need for lasting change to prevent future tragedies.
Dustin Esterline, a senior at Millington High School in Michigan, was a prominent figure both on and off the football field.
He was an offensive and defensive lineman for the Millington Cardinals in Michigan, wearing the jersey number 79.
Dustin demonstrated exceptional athleticism and leadership throughout his high school.
In his junior year (2023), the team achieved a commendable 12-1 record, securing first place in their league and ranking 91st in the state.
Dustin had an amazing senior year with 14-0 to end a state title and 17th in the state.
His dedication and performance were instrumental in the team’s success, earning him respect and admiration from teammates, coaches, and the broader Millington community.
Tragic Loss and Community Reflections
The community of Millington was rocked with the sad news of the suicide incident involving their resident, Dustin Esterline, last Thursday, March 6, 2025.
The sudden loss of such a young individual left family, friends, teammates, and community members in profound grief.
In the wake of this tragedy, many took to social media to express their sorrow, share memories, and emphasize the importance of mental health awareness.
Father to the deceased, Nathan Esterline, put out a heart-wrenching, strong message on the platform, saying that he had felt a very vibrant support system from the community, although with a hole of pain from losing a child.
He urged the community not to forget past students who faced similar tragedies, highlighting the case of Nick Apsey, another young man from Millington who died by suicide less than two years prior.
Nathan’s plea emphasized the need for collective action to prevent such losses in the future:
“If people want to honor Dustin, don’t ever forget him, but by doing so, make a change, make a difference. Work hard and drive to succeed so that this doesn’t happen again to someone else’s child!”
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Sarah Mulholland, deeply affected by the news, expressed her condolences and stressed the importance of expressing love to one’s children:
“My heart is broken for this family and the Millington football community. Thoughts and prayers to the family of Dustin Esterline. He had his entire life ahead of him. Hug your babies, tell them how much you love them!”
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She also provided information on mental health resources, including the National Mental Health Hotline and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The sense of loss extended beyond immediate family and friends. Herbert Thompson, reflecting on the impact of Dustin’s passing, wrote:
“We are devastated to hear of Eli’s friend and teammate, Dustin Esterline, who passed today. His family is in our thoughts and prayers. I’m asking everyone to please pray for them. We are asking God to intervene and comfort so many right now. This is truly devastating to our community.”
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In a poignant turn of events, the Millington girls’ varsity basketball team, despite a challenging season, secured a district championship shortly after Dustin’s passing.
The final score was 79—a number resonating deeply with the community, symbolizing Dustin’s jersey number. Coach Taylor Dantinne remarked on the emotional significance of the victory:
“Tonight, the girls did it for Dusty. Or maybe he did it for all of us. Total score was 79. #79 forever a Champion.”
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Community organizations also extended their support. The Vassar Youth Football & Cheer family expressed their condolences, acknowledging Dustin’s impact both on and off the field:
“Dustin Esterline was not only a tremendous football player but also a respected athlete among all of us in the Vassar community. His impact on the field and in the hearts of those who knew him will never be forgotten.”
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The D-Smilez Foundation, during a scheduled event, dedicated their tip jars to support Dustin’s family, highlighting the community’s commitment to rallying around those affected by the tragedy.
Addressing Mental Health and Moving Forward
Dustin’s untimely death has sparked a broader conversation about mental health within the Millington community.
Tina Klein, a mental health professional, emphasized the importance of kindness, connection, and open conversations:
“If we don’t learn a lesson that #79 is teaching us, then we fail him. I don’t know his whole story, but I do know the stories of far too many who have been in his shoes. The lesson, friends, is that when in doubt—kindness wins. Love wins. Connection wins.”
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In light of this tragedy, Millington Municipal Schools has reiterated the availability of mental health resources.
They encourage individuals experiencing a crisis to reach out to available support systems, including the National Mental Health Hotline and local crisis centers.
As the Millington community mourns, they also reflect on the imperative to foster an environment where individuals feel connected, supported, and unafraid to seek help.
For those struggling with mental health issues, immediate assistance is available through the National Mental Health Hotline at 866-903-3787, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or by texting “HOME” to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.
Additional Information
- Dustin Esterline stood tall at the height of 5’10” and weighed 245 lbs.
- Dustin went for a walk before taking his own life, as mentioned in a Facebook post by Crystal Damico Childs.
- The Valley Lutheran players left flowers and notes for Millington’s athletes after Dustin’s passing, showing their support for the grieving community.
