I saw something amazing this morning…

I’d just awakened and was in bed looking out of my window, some movement caught my eye; next to the hospital on the cross street is a seven story parking garage. About fifteen years ago, one of my neighbors had climbed to the top and jumped.

I realized that I was seeing a young man sitting, legs dangling over the rail, and I sat bolt upright, just in time to see two people grab him and pull him back.

I then heard applause, and saw that a few people had been standing on the sidewalk, watching. I didn’t see any uniforms, so the people who saved the guy,
appeared to be civilians. I’m glad they acted.

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Northwest · M

Good thing they acted, but the person was not likely to jump. Those who decide to kill themselves, don't wait. Those who may be depressed, but will not jump, will sit on the ledge, looking for people to talk them off the ledge.

The Golden Gate Bridge has cameras, and while the records are not publicly available, a documentary crew got some footage from regular tourists, who accidentally filmed suicides. Those who mean it, simply walk to the jump point, and leap over. Those who do not want to do it, sit there and wait. On average more than 100 per year wait. More than 1800 people jumped to their deaths, with an additional 20% suspected jumps (witnessed, but bodies never found). The state is supposed to complete the $210M+ suicide barrier end of this year.

bijouxbroussard · F

@Northwest Sorry, I never assume someone is "unlikely" to suicide anymore, or is looking for attention. People miss the signs all the time. Better to err on the side of caution.

SW-User

@bijouxbroussard I never saw it coming with Anthony Bourdain, that's for sure

bijouxbroussard · F

@SW-User A lot of his closest friends didn’t, either.

Northwest · M

@bijouxbroussard I am not saying it should be ignored. I'm saying it's less likely to actually happen. Seeking attention is not always "hey, look at poor me", it may be: please help me, I am depressed, and this is why I'm on this ledge. Back in my college days, a friend called after he slashed his wrists, when it was too late to do anything about it.