New River Gorge Bridge. Photo by Teke via Wikipedia.
In the predawn darkness of September 9, a 25-year old man from Ohio leaped to his death from the famously high New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia. The victim’s body was found after daybreak among the boulders below.
Why did this young man choose such a far-from-home place to end his life? Whatever his reasons, we know that he made the choice well in advance. Among the items investigators found in his car were a suicide note, sealed letters for his parents and fiancé, and a Mapquest printout with directions from his home to the bridge.
I‘m not surprised that the young man knew about the bridge, nor would it surprise me to learn that he had personally seen it before. Built in 1980 on U.S. Route 19 near Fayetteville, West Virginia, the New River Gorge Bridge is an architectural icon and one of the most famous bridges in the country.
Soaring higher than in any other vehicular bridge in the western hemisphere (though not as high as the pedestrians-only Royal Gorge Bridge tourist attraction in Colorado) the New River Gorge Bridge is perched a remarkable 876 feet above the river and the CSX railroad. That’s so high that the roughly 300 thrill seeking BASE jumpers who will leap from it during the Bridge Day festival this October 18 can reasonably expect their chutes to open safely. There have been four known BASE-jumper fatalities at the bridge -- one each in 1983, 1986, 1987, and 2006. The 1986 fatality was an illegal jump not associated with Bridge Day.
The New River Gorge Bridge is owned and operated by West Virginia’s highway department, and patrolled by the Fayetteville County Sheriff’s Department. However, it is situated within the boundaries of the New River Gorge National River. Park personnel inevitably become involved in many incidents that originate on the bridge. Thus, while it was a Fayetteville County Deputy Sheriff who found the suicide victim’s abandoned car on the bridge’s southbound shoulder at 4:00 a.m., it was park rangers searching the riverbanks who found the body after daybreak.
Suicide is not common in the national parks, but neither is it a rarity. Hundreds have been recorded in the park system over the decades, including at least 20 in the first six months of this year.
Suicides occur at various parks across America, and the fatal venues seem to have been chosen for convenience in many instances. But parks that inspire feelings of beauty or majesty do get their share of suicides. Grand Canyon National Park, for example, has averaged about three suicides annually in recent years. At least five people have ended their lives at Yellowstone National Park in the past ten years.
Al Nash, Chief of Public Affairs at Yellowstone, agrees with others who’ve observed that some individuals must want to have a connection with a place of beauty, majesty, or solace in their final moments. It’s hard to believe that the New River Gorge Bridge could have inspired such thoughts and feelings at four o’clock in the morning on September 9. Neither was it a convenient place for the young man from Ohio to end his life.
There have been many suicides at the New River Gorge Bridge since it was completed nearly three decades ago. I couldn’t get cumulative statistics, but Candace Tinkler, the park’s Chief of Interpretation and Visitor Services, told me that several suicide jumpers can be expected in a typical year. Whatever the number, it is stressful for the park staff, and they never get used to it.
Rangers receive training in suicide prevention, and some get the chance to use it. Several years ago at New River Gorge, Ranger Randy Fisher used crisis negotiation to save the life of a man who was getting ready to jump from the bridge. For this he received an honorary legislative citation from the state of West Virginia and Governor Joe Manchin. Unfortunately, opportunities to save lives in this way are rare. People bent on suicide at New River Gorge usually just abandon their cars on the bridge and go over the railing into the void.
New River Gorge Bridge appears to attract suicide jumpers in much the same way that the Grand Canyon and the Golden Gate Bridge do. Some people have driven hundreds of miles to end their lives by jumping into the Grand Canyon, and more than 1,200 people have jumped to their deaths from the 71-year old Golden Gate Bridge (some landing within Golden Gate National Recreation Area). There can be no doubt that the Golden Gate’s notoriety as the world’s most popular place to commit suicide has a magnetic appeal for people who want to commit suicide. (A Bay Area resident told me that Golden Gate Bridge authorities ceased publicizing the body count as it neared 1,000 because too many people would be tempted to jump if they thought they would be remembered as Golden Gate suicide victim number 1,000.)
Is there any practical way to prevent people from jumping off the New River Gorge Bridge, or to make it less likely that they will? Higher guard rails, fencing, and netting have been considered in the past, but many
people object to actions that would be cost prohibitive and detract from the bridge's aesthetic appeal. There have been suggestions to install call boxes on the bridge, but nothing has come of it. You’d need a suicide prevention call center, for one thing, and there’s none in the area.
Suicide prevention does not have to be a last-ditch effort taking place on a bridge or rooftop. People contemplating suicide need to know that there is hope and help as long as there is life. Doctors, clergy, family, and friends all have a role to play.
It’s too late, in any event, to help the latest suicide victim at New Rive Gorge. Our heartfelt condolences to this young man’s family, fiancé, and friends.
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Comments
Once on top of that bridge and seeing the beauty that God created how could someone take his own life in vain? That is selfish. No wonder it's a sin in God's eyes.
I dont think suicide is selfish or a sin. I wouldnt be in this position if I was as important to people as they say I am. Not to offend God, but it is quite clear there are sins that lead to death. ALL of them, some just sooner than later. Suicide allows a person to die before they become completly worthless to themselves. I want to die with some selfworth still intacted.
Guy Mraz, Your family will miss you dearly if you commit suicide. Although they may be busy with their lives, my bet would be that if you contact them, and let them know exactly how you are feeling, they will take the time to let you know they are there for you and don't want you to go through with it. You need to give them the oppurtunity to help you and be with you, because suicide is final, and you don't have to live with the consequenses, they do. That is why many consider it selfish. The person who commits suicide is relieved of the stress while causing massive amounts of pain to those who care for him or her. People care about you, and you likely know who they are. Just share your thoughts with them and they will prove it to you. If you care about them, don't put them through the rest of their lives feeling responsible for your death. It's just not right. Hell, if you don't have anyone to contact, email me at [email protected] and I'll give you my number. I have no idea who you are, but I care enough about you that I don't want you to commit suicide, for your sake and for that of those who care about you.
You are blessed that you have no idea of not wanting to die, but to be out of physical not mental pain. Not everyone who commits suicide has a mental illness. People who take their own lives dur to unrelieved chronic pain do not want to die. They just want to be out of real physical pain. There exists so many ailments that cause pain that cannot even be touched through drugs, meditation or prayer. This is not a lack of faith in God on their part at all. Miracles are not granted to everyone who has faith and asks for one. These poor people who commit suicide due to physical pain want life more than anything or anyone in the world. God doesn’t answer every ones prayers. Great that he has answered yours. Bless each and every soul that has died at their own hands due to unrelenting physical pain. They are in Heaven with our loving Father. They are forgiven and welcomed into his kingdom.
You never know what people are feeling. Sometimes pain is so deep, it isn't a selfish act, but a self-preservation one. Like victims jumping out of the workd trade center.
Yet such judgment and lack of compassion is not in keeping with the teachings of the Jesus I know
Mr. Martinez... Remember this man jumped from the bridge in the middle of the night, so the beauty and majesty which may have stopped him in the daylight eluded him. One day he is a living, vibrant person, the next an anonymous "offender" of the beauty there. I have been to the bridge. It is one of the most spectacular places on Earth, and I agree the beauty of the area defies description. I also know the young man in question. The only thought I can offer to you and others who have heard about this tragedy is that he must have felt a sense of serenity in his choice. People who take their own lives do so at a time when their good sense is compromised in some way. The time it must have taken him to soar through the air to his final destination still offered him the opportunity to make his peace and be forgiven if somehow presence of mind returned to him. No one truly knows but him and God. Please remember both him and his family and friends in your prayers.
Thanks for writing this. It brought tears to my eyes. I knew the deceasesd and it's nice to hear your positive out take instead of the comment before yours.
My brother decided to take his own life and it leaves a void that never can be filled. Though he chose a different option, one not so majestically of vision, it really just is a tragedy that appears to be progressing. I have to say thank you for your non judgemental heartfelt words that created a sense of serenity to my heart that not many people seem to understand.
Thank you for your comments, Anon. They lend valuable perspective to this story, and I couldn't have said it better.
I too have been touched by the loss of a loved one on this bridge since the last entry. I try to get past the anger and fruitfulness of a young life lost because of the finality of the act. We do not know the desperation and hopelessness one feels because they had chosen not to let us. We can not change things nor can we find answers, we can only hope and pray that our lord will grace our loved one's soul with the peace that they could not find with us.
I have lived and been raised in Fayette county most of my life. The New River Gorge Bridge area was known as "lover's leap" in colonial times. The Oak Hill town archives, which are restricted, support this information. It is also recorded that "masses" were held there by local Pastors in the late 1800's. Information about number of suicides, and or related material is a taboo subject around the tourist trap area. I have know several people, and heard several stories of "completely normal" people, just one day up and jump off the bridge. At least once per year. I find the facts, and town practices to be questionable.
I've seen the Golden Gate Bridge, Coronado Bridge of San Diego and Sunshine Skyway of Florida. You cross these bridges, and look down in the waters below. These bridges are some what scary, but also beautiful looking at the bay. All these thousands of souls; may God give them peace and comfort now.
Brian, I'm not sure what you mean by town practices. Could you expand on that a little?
I also personally knew the person mentioned in the article, and while I agree it is selfish, this was the only selfish thing he had ever done. To those that knew him, he was amazing, giving, and caring. But also must have felt lost in some aspect. He had angel wings. I miss him dearly, but yet I am angry with him. As the one year mark approaches, I still think of him often and wish that he would have asked for help.
I know nothing of the man but I know something about depression. It will suck the literal life out of you. Until you have experienced life-killing, debilitating depression, you cannot begin to understand the utter hopelessness of life and, of course, the Lie that it will never change.
There was another suicide at New River Gorge Bridge on August 19. The victim this time was a 28-year old Ohio man.
I knew the latest man from Ohio that comitted suicide off this bridge August 19, 2009. He was such a good guy and I grew up with him and went to school with him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his friends and family. Something should be done to prevent these suicides.
My son was the young man who died Sept. 9, 2008. We had his 35th [not 25th as written] birthday Aug.31 and 9 days later he was gone. He was a beautiful , kind , loving man who thought he was a failure because he had failed in his relationship. He could not see past that to realize how much his family and friends loved him and how much his son needed and loved him. I am dreading the approach of Sept. 9 but I know that I can
get through it with the strength God has given me. I miss his wonderful hugs but I know that he is in the a place where the demons he kept hidden from us have no power. Thank you for your kind words. Remember us all in your prayers. Everyone needs them no matter how strong we think we are.
I thought of you often this past week, and can only image how hard it had to be for you. I miss him dearly...as I closed my pool this weekend, the thing he & I did together every year, I still have a hard time believing he is gone. My thoughts and prayers are always with you.
My sympathies to those of you who lost someone at New River Gorge.
There was a time when I also viewed those who committed suicide as selfish. I know much better now. Many times the person who commits suicide is acutely ill (psychologically) at the time. And Brian Logan has an accurate perspective. Studies have shown that a disturbingly high percentage of people who attempted suicide report that they only contemplated the act for minutes before making a drastic action.
Although there is some controversy over this, some "Magnets" for suicide, such as the Golden Gate Bridge can be barricaded to decrease the amount of suicides that occur there. I've never been to New River Gorge, so I'm not sure if park managers should look into installing some sort of prevention structures on that bridge. Some suicide magnets, such as the Grand Canyon, cannot be barricaded. For these places, the last thing standing between a suicidal person and their desperate act will often be a park ranger.
For anyone who would like to increase their understanding of suicide and therefore have more compassion for suicidal people, I highly recommend this book.
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
by Kay Redfield Jamison
Retrofitting suicide "magnet" bridges like the Golden Gate Bridge and the New River Gorge Bridge sounds like a good idea, at least on the surface of it, but the high cost of the work and the negative impacts on bridge esthetics and sightlines are normally considered to outweigh the suicide-deterring benefits. If you believe that saving human lives outweighs these values, you should make your feelings known to the appropriate policy- and decision-makers. In the case of the New River Gorge Bridge, that would not be the National Park Service. The bridge is owned and operated by the state of West Virginia.
Putting up barricades on these landmarks might be a good idea but like the New River Gorge Bridge most "scenic" areas have more than one location to leap from. On each side of the bridge, is walkways and overlooks that are as easily to access as the span itself...I live about 2 hours from there and have visited it several times.. As I walk across it this weekend on Bridge Day, my family and I will condone a moment of silence to those who has lost their lives here... GODSPEED..
It is very ignorant to call a suicidal person selfish. Suicidal people suffer from a very serious disease called depression. As a person that has survived suicide and battled depression for 6 years I can tell you first hand that it is the stigma of depression that prevents many people from seeking help in the first place. Society tells us that depressed people are weak minded and that suicidal people are selfish cowards. This makes us feel isolated and alone. After my attempt not only did I have to deal with my depression but I also had to deal with insensitive and hurtful comments from family and friends. If you really expect someone to seek help then you need to change your attitudes!! durrr....
If you are contemplating suicide I can tell you that there is hope! Dont do it. Depression is a serious condition but with meds therapy and a strong support system it is treatable. :)
Is there a way to contact you? I may be in need of encouragement from a soul who truly understands and will be free of judgement.
I spent half of my life going back and forth between my home in sc and my family home there I am a combat veteran who has contemplated suicide many times since returning home and I truly feel for the families of these people. these people no matter what the circumstances were selfish people. there is no good reason to kill yourself and the bridge does not attract them to commit suicide mental illness does. some of the comments that have been made on here are really stupid. there is nothing worth taking your own life especially a failed relationship
Dear Anonymous,
I am saddened that 2 1/2 years after this column was first posted you felt it necessary to comment on it. You said yourself that you have contemplated suicide. Thank God you did not follow through with those feelings. However, to judge a person by calling them selfish, only shows that you do not appreciate how lucky you are. You have maintained a hold on sanity when in the depths of despair but some people lose their tentative grip. Don't judge them for their weaknesses. The selfish people are those that take others lives before they take their own. Hell has a special place for them.
My prayers are with you. May God bless you and watch over you on your next journey home.
I'm imagining he chose to jump from this particular bridge because the jump is a long clear passageway, without injury on the way down. The parks don't always provide that advantage. (trees, etc.)
I would like to start off by saying that I am terribly sorry for everyone of your losses... I too have lost a family member to suicide fairly recently. He had planned a three week what we thought was a vacation which ended on this bridge... He was a great uncle and a wonderful man that will be missed very much.... Most of these comments have helped me to understand a little more but it's all still very hard to grasp.rest in peace corey...
It's sad that communities don't offer suicide services locally so people feel compelled to kill themselves. If people left behind knew that suicide was on the docket, they would be offered the opportunity to understand why, for some, suicide is a permanent solution to a PERMANENT problem.
Glad to see the thoughts on suicde. It is a dredful thing no doubt, no matter the method. Dont blame the method. As one of the comments said, it s an illness. My sloppy living created more problems than could be solved. You know the stigma around depression.My family is full of it, yet noone was wlling to talk about untill they were on the road of no return. Those that say there is always hope as long as there is life have never been there, I am glad for the sevivers, but I can see no future beyond survival. Why be a burden to yourself? The support groups all seem to fall away.
Guy Mraz, does your comment mean your going to commit suicide? As you said depression is an illness and illnesses can be treated. Please get some help, I hope it's not too late.
I have lived in the area all my life, and just this morning someone jumped to their death, and no it isn't always publicized occasionally if someone is going acoss the bridge and has time to call the news stations then it may be on the news, and it seems like every year right at Bridge day we do hear of someone the week before or the week after has jumped to their death, but usually it's not in the news. I have many friends who work with EMS and law enforcement and they agree it's not something we publicize, mainly because of the tourist and also because it can make it seem more appealing two others who may be considering suicide, anytime there is an area where suicides are at a high rate, I have been told they don't publicize it because they don't want it to become a popular area for.
I am certain, as are many of the local residents that there is a total body count of how many people have jumped and committed suicide but it's kept very quiet.
Suicide is not a sign of weakness. Suicide is someone's last hope to get beyond the pain in their lives. Never judge a person until you've walked a mile in their shoes and experience the pain they feel. Humans instinctively want to survive. When the demons that haunt a person becomes to bad they are willing to end their own life to escape, it's a pain no one can imagine unless they have been there before.
My 19 year old son jumped from this bridge on Oct 3, 2018. Our hearts are broken.
I am so sorry for your loss. My son in-laws car was found on the bridge on Sunday 4/2/23 with evidence on the coastline that he jumped but no body as of yet. My daughter just had their first child in Novembe. It's all so devastating. He had attempted suicide in February but was unsuccessfu. He was hospitalized for 4 days and sent home with medication. The system totally failed my family.
I vaguely remember seeing this piece a long time ago. As I read the comments just now, I was appalled to think that some of the comments here may actually have been cries for help.
They were not answered.
So, in hopes that this may help someone, here is contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Call 1-800-273-8255
Available 24 hours everyday
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention ...
Talk To Someone Now
If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved ...
Help Yourself
If you're in crisis, there are options available to help you cope. You ...
Help Someone Else
If someone you know is struggling emotionally or having a hard ...
LGBTQ+
Suicidal feelings and mental health struggles can affect more ...
Lifeline Chat
Lifeline Chat is a service of the National Suicide Prevention ...
National Suicide Prevention
Everybody has a role to play in preventing suicide, and the ...
Kurt -- Is there any way this information could be inserted near the top of the comments so no one has to read all the way down here to find it?
The selfishness or the un-selfishness of suicide always depends on the perspective. The person who commits suicide often does it with the sense that their deaths would ease the burden on their families and friends. The people who care about them, justifiably, blame themselves. Depression and loneliness are extremely diffiicult to deal with and exhausting, specially when the only solution is "get over it" or "move on". It's easy to be angry at the person committing this act but to actually understanding why is the road to forgiving yourself for not being able to stop the inevitable.
incorrect- bridge is 956 feet above
Suicidal ideation occurs to christians, to jews, to muslims, to atheists, to agnostics, to pagans, and every other incarnation of faith or absence of faith. It appears to me that no particular religion is responsible to creating suicides, nor is any one particular religion responsible for saving those so inclined. It is so easy to take these extreme moments of someone else's life to mean whatever you want them to mean.
This bridge has a beautiful view. It is unfortunate that some chose to end their lives here. Reasons for or against any of this have an infinite variety.
Suicidal act tends to create some issues, like have unsolvable financial problem, long-term painful sickness, etc.. Some of the victims are loner. I think having friend(s) can bring joy and help to suicide-to-be persons.
Edgardo Valentino D. Olaes
Suicide is not selfish. And not a cry for help when talked about. Not weakness either. It’s a pain that has no words to be described. Only felt. When done, it has nothing to do with anyone you love or loves you. Some people just hate life. Not their life. But life itself. Life is a chore and pointless. I have a great life. But I hate existing. Life’s full of bs. Too many selfish, stupid people Like all the ones here who talk about pain or depression onky cause you read about it in a book or such. If youve never lived it, don’t comment. Period.
I dont agree its selfish, people are hurting in pain or feel lossed or suffer from depression or overwhelmed there are signs. Peopke are selfish not take time help or listen or just be there for them, most po people are busy or dont care so think h as rd at your statements that its selfish.....life is hard people need love acceptance or help sometimes but they dont think I'm hurting ou others by this suicide they are hurting insde,dont feel they are important or there life is any more, people need listen look and see try help,somtimes people appear happy but they are pretending for those they love,who knows but all we need to is be there for others and dobt judgenor blame ,we all want love acceptance. ❤
Damn...reading all these stories and comments. I worked for the guy who's son made the drive from Ohio and jumped. I had heard the stories of what a great guy he was and his charismatic personality. He had hidden demons that didn't show on the surface. From hearing stories about him i always felt an eerie similarity and connection to this guy i never met. Long story short, im searching to internet to find good places to go out on my own terms. Its been a vicious cycle the past ten years for me mentally and emotionally. But of all places i searched online i never expected to run into the story I've thought of so many times. Small world i guess. If you're reading this i hope you make it through whatever is hurting you. Be good to each other. 8
There is a couple of mistakes in this article. The New River Gorge Bridge was built in 1974, not in 1980 and the man who jumped was 35, not 25. Fayette County keeps a lot of the suicides and other information private to protect the families and to keep from glorifying suicide. My condolences to all who have lost a loved one to Lover's Leap, the cliffs, the river, and the New River Gorge Bridge.
I can honestly say Iv had 2 brothers commit suicide, 1 a heart attack, 1 murdered at convenient store.All were devastating . But there is something about suicide that you can never get a grasp on,Why? If they knew how devastating it can leave a family,you want to die yourself, it's never ending, it ruins the ones that are left behind. In my case the 1st one was bad enough, why and how did another one do it? We were a very close family and the murder happened 1st, then the 1st suicide happened , then the 2nd, then a heart attack. ALL OUR WORLDS WERE TORE APART, again and again 4 brothers.Only 1 sister and 1 brother left, I'm the baby and I was very spoiled by all of them, so I always think how could they of done this to me, and leave me so alone. I feel mad, sad, and so lonely for them and will never get over this.My one brother after suicide wanted cremation and thrown over The new river bridge, we did it, it was the longest scariest walk out one that bridge iv ever taken, so I cant evan imagine someone walking out there to jumped.If you read this and see evan commentating to do this, please consider your mother,father wife,husband, brothers sisters, children, and friends.All problems disappear faster than you think. WHEN YOU disappear you can never come back to them, When you look down from heaven and see all the people so ruined, I know you wished you wouldn't of jumped. PRAY
How horrible must it feel to chose not to go on living. Iim just sorry to think anyon could feel so bad that ening thir life sm a viable alternative. I don't s it as selfish, i think dying is vey personal you hav to fl this is unbearable and that youre going somewhere better. None of knows what tomorrow may bring or what temptations await, w shoul tak care whn juging others
A 27 year old loved one is reported to have jumped off this bridge yesterday. Witnesses reported it. His body has not been found. We are devastated. It is not on the news, and it seemed as if they are just waiting to see if his body shows up at the nearby Dam. I feel like this place and the local authorites are covering these things up and doing little to prevent them. Are there no cameras? No call boxes? Some kind of safety net below the bridge? Instead, we are just left with another life lost and another statistic. We all tried to help him and the mental healthcare system failed him repeatedly. Please pray for him and the family and children he left behind.
My husband suffers from Bipolar Depression and anxiety. He has been in that desperate state of mind several times throughout our marriage. He tells me that he NEVER really wants to end his life. He is pressured by a voice in his head that says "DO IT, before you have time to think not to! He says Its like the devil himself laughing in God's face. No one wants to die. In fact they want to not feel the pain of life's anxieties anymore. Its something that is beyond the scope of anyone who hasn't ever experienced that kind of Depression. Thats why people often say things like its a selfish act. No, Its a desperate act. For those who are suffering all you have to do is tell someone you are suffering. And if someone is telling you they are suffering Take it seriously. Take them to any Emergency Room and get them help. That is exactly what I did for my husband. He didn't know what to do himself.
Suicide is devastating. For all involved, even tangentially.
Primarily in my medical capacity, I've had to be too close to too much suicide. I've spent long time on the phone with both strangers and friends talking them down when they were ready to self-harm. I can remember having to call a mother in to in the ER where she essentially grabbed her late-teen sobered up son by the ear, yelling at him all the way out the door--- and a few days later a coworker let me know he had then killed himself. I've had to disarm people intending to self harm. I had to sit in the room with a man who had attempted and failed to kill himself by hanging, when his teenage daughter - who had been the one to find him and cut him down - came in for her first visit.No matter the number of exposures to suicidal ideation over 30+ years, I'll still never claim to understand how and why someone will make that drastic of a decision.
The only thing I can say for those left behind is that in over 90% of the cases there is nothing you could have done differently. If they are going to do it, they will do it.
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