
Supernatural fans are expressing concern and support for Jared Padalecki after the series co-star tweeted a pair of distressing statements on Friday.
The San Antonio native abruptly pulled out of a planned appearance at JIBCON 2015, a fandom convention in Rome, Italy. Padalecki, who plays Sam Winchester on The CW's long-running horror/fantasy series, explained the cancellation on Twitter, stating he was "desperate and urgent need of my family." The actor followed-up with another cryptic tweet asking for fan support. He ended his cryptic statement with the hashtag #AlwaysKeepFighting.
Dear #JIBCON and #AHBL6. I am in desperate and urgent need of my family. I am so sorry to tell you this but I must head home.
— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) May 16, 2015
I need all of the love I can get right now. Please please give me a few seconds of your time and write me. #AlwaysKeepFighting
— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) May 16, 2015
"Always Keep Fighting" is the name of Padalecki's recent T-shirt campaign to raise funds for To Write Love on Her Arms, a nonprofit that provides support for people struggling with depression, addictions and suicidal and self-harm tendencies. The actor publicly revealed his own struggles with depression to Variety in March while promoting his charitable initiative.
Thousands of Supernatural fans took to Twitter to send love Padalecki's way and share their experiences of emerging from the fog of depression. Jensen Ackles, Padalecki's Supernatural co-star and on-screen brother, addressed the sudden cancellation during JIBCON's opening event.
“In true Jared fashion, he exhausted himself to the point where he had to tap out ... He needed to go home and get some rest and be with his family," Ackles explained. A fan-recorded video of Ackles' comments and show of support was posted to YouTube early Saturday.
Ackles followed-up Saturday by posting a tweet to show support for his long-time co-star.
.@jarpad get some rest, my brother. I got ur back...Always. #AlwaysKeepFighting #SPNfamily
— Jensen Ackles (@JensenAckles) May 16, 2015
Padalecki's Twitter account has gone dark since his social media distress call on Friday. One hopes the James Madison High School graduate, turned Hollywood star is getting the rest, support and guidance he seeks.