KNOXVILLE, Tennessee — There are some things you just can’t put a price on. For Jody Turpin, a bracelet they’ve worn for two years is a reminder of laughs and love. To her, it's priceless. The bracelet holds the ashes of their little sister.
“When my friend gave me that, it really brought a lot of comfort. I felt like I could carry my sister’s ashes with me all the time," Jody said.
The bracelet is black and looks similar to a rope. It has a small silver vessel for their sister's ashes. Taylor, Jody's sister, died in September 2021. The bracelet containing her ashes was lost at Zoo Knoxville this week.
“My sister was my favorite person in the world,” said Jody. “She was so funny, and she loved animals. So, in some way, it was fitting this happened at the zoo.”
After looking throughout the zoo, the parking lot, and the car — they didn’t find it. So, Jody posted about it on Facebook. After the post was shared dozens of times, Jody decided to edit it to include the phone number of the National Suicide Lifeline. Through the Lifeline, people can call "988" to speak with people who want to listen to their concerns and help.
“I lost my sister to suicide. I don’t want anyone to feel how I felt that morning, and I don’t want anyone to ever feel how she felt that night," they said.
Jody said while they hope they will be reunited with their bracelet, they also hope their post on social media will reach someone who may be struggling.
“That would bring a lot of peace, and almost make the situation worth it," they said.
A simple Facebook post, hoping to bring back a bracelet, could save a life.
A spokesperson for Zoo Knoxville said the zoo was aware of the situation, and said the zoo sent an email out to the employees and rangers who work there to keep an eye out for the bracelet.
The zoo said it wants nothing more than to reunite the bracelet with Jody.