Family and friends of 19-year-old gay rights activist Brad Matthew Fuglei of Omaha remain bewildered as to why the talented and outwardly upbeat youth took his own life Friday, according to the Omaha World-Herald.

Fuglei was found Friday afternoon by his mother, Nancy Fuglei, at the family home. A police report indicated that Fuglei was found unconscious in the driver's seat of his car, which was parked and running in the garage. A suicide note was found in the house.

Since coming out at age 14, Fuglei organized gay rights rallies and worked with gay-straight alliances at area schools. He also was featured in a November 1998 World-Herald article after he organized a vigil following the slaying of Matthew Shepard. As a student at North High School, Fuglei was senior class president and homecoming king in 2001, a student council officer, a member of the National Honor Society and a performer in numerous theatrical productions.

Scott Fuglei said he never knew a more giving person than his brother and that Brad had a strong drive to excel. "He was a very open person and shared everything," he said.

Funeral services are scheduled for Wednesday.