I come from a rural town on the west of ireland. Not many jobs, prospects or anything else to keep the young people occupied who then turn to drink and drugs in unhealthy amounts to pass the time and numb the boredom. This had led to a lot of suicide throughout the area as the future is bleak and mixed with drugs only gets worse.
Sad to say that it isn't getting any better but is just covered up instead of putting solutions in place. The media is blocked to mention suicide in case others follow their example instead of the government giving the people a different option and a future. It's sad to hear about your friend and there are lots of different reasons behind a tragedy like this but hopefully people can learn lessons from the past and do more in the future.
Talking is the first step as it acknowledges the problem. Then you can look for a solution. I would like to think that you offered him a glimpse of a better future while you were working together even if it didn't work out on this occasion.