Jeremiah Eliot Moody Crompton

Jeremiah E. M. Crompton, son of Joseph and Carole (Moody) Crompton of Brattleboro, ended his own life early Sunday morning. His death followed years of frustration, sorrow, rage, fear, boredom, delusion and pain interspersed with times of brilliance and amazing humor.

Jeremiah attended Morningsong School in Putney, Canal/Oak Grove School, Neighborhood Schoolhouse, BAMS and BUHS. His gifts were musical and literary and he was also a sensitive visual artist. His unique voice was always evident in everything he created. He wrote good songs from the age of 9 and enjoyed busking for money in his tween years. School friends remember him as a witty class clown. Diagnosed in 3rd grade with Nonverbal Learning Disorder, he was, nevertheless, found ineligible for special education services. In high school he was again tested and found to have Asperger's Syndrome or High Functioning Autism. Jeremiah never accepted this diagnosis and consistently refused medical, therapeutic, social and vocational assistance for the challenges he faced.
In withdrawal from prescribed opiates after a boating accident in 2005, Jeremiah soon became addicted to heroin. He struggled with the effects of this and other dangerous drugs for the rest of his life.
His memory will be cherished by his parents; sisters, Phoebe Crompton-Tidd of Brattleboro and Willow Broaddus of Rochester, VT; cousins, Adhi Pillar, Frances and Alex Elliot, Justin Thompson and Bryan, Rachel and Katy Lane and his beloved niece and nephews; Lila Tadlock, Roclin Harris and Parker Tidd; aunts and uncles, Nancy Crompton of Brattleboro, Trisha Lane of Chula Vista, CA, Carrie Crompton and George Elliot of Andover, CT. Cate Crompton and Jim Beers of Newburyport, MA, and Sam Crompton and Charlotte Tabakin of Hadley, MA.

The family extends deepest thanks to all who helped Jeremiah, deepest apologies to any he hurt, and deepest sympathy to all who will miss him.

A celebration of Jeremiah's life was held at the Guilford Community Church on Bee Barn Road in Guilford, at 11 am on Thursday, June 2, 2016. Donations in Jeremiah's memory may be made to Families First, PO BOX 939 Wilmington, VT 05363, which tried to help him manage his final days, and to the Neighborhood Schoolhouse, 231 Western Ave, Brattleboro, VT 05301, where Jeremiah spent his happiest years.

Let Jeremiah's life remind us that the "Safety net" for those who suffer from mental illness, especially those with a dual diagnosis needs substantial weaving and mending.