SFist: Man Survives Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Attempt

pkh

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 20:59:36 -0800

I am a Father My son jumped from the Golden Gate and lived - And last Saturday night I spoke at a service attended by approximately 1,000 youngsters and a significant number of adults trying to bring some sense to the death of a 17 year old only child who lost hope and was availed of the low rails and unfettered access of the Golden Gate Bridge to jumping to destroy herself by drowning in her own blood - like the official 1,300 previous and presumed 2,000 before her. I have written - and written and written - pleading for acknowledgment but have been met by callous indifference by most of you Raising the rail on the Golden Gate Bridge or limiting access to death is your responsibility. You have presided over a killing machine and done nothing about it . I have no idea how you can continue to ignore the growing horror at the Golden Gate. But rather than focus on the rails - I would like to focus on the issue of a toll for walkers. When I was younger it was ten cents - by Mary Currie's count over 10 Million visitors walking across the Bridge every year - if her numbers are accurate instead of relying on advertising or raising the toll to $6 for cars - a toll of $1 dollar for walkers would 1) immediately ease the budget crisis 2) have the corollary affect of reducing access to death Recently I traveled to the Grand Canyon - it was $26 to visit the rim - My son ( and many who have died ) had no money when they arrive in desperation at the Bridge. It is inconceivable to me that you as individuals and as a collective body of our elected officials chose to ignore this revenue source And of course the thought that you are ignoring the almost one a week who dies the most terrible death at the Golden Gate is absolutely baffling to me I would hope that one of you might have the courage to investigate why the Bridge Board ignores the opportunity to reinstate the toll - moreover is it too much to ask that one of you or a member of your staff at least seek an explanation as to why the Administration of the Bridge is as indifferent to the deaths as they seemingly are ? I have lived here all of my life - I have voted here all of my life - some of you I have known all of my life - why are you ignoring this ? May I suggest that you put your self in the shoes of a distressed person - imagine that you are at at he end of your rope - and then dial the number ... I have - psychiatrists have and I can tell you that once again I am baffled as to why given the quality of communications and the expertise of lets say Eve Meyers' suicide prevention group they are not being used - instead of the person who gruffly shouts sergeants station ? December 28, 2007 Photo du Jour golden%20gate%20bridge%20suicide.jpg

megang

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 17:03:03 -0800

OrangeDrink I'm with you. Saving 206 people in ten years costing millions. Doesn't seem right or cost effective. I wonder how many people die on California freeways every year. Plus isn't committing suicide against the law? Will this man be billed for this? Plus it's better to jump in the Bay where you won't hit anyone. UCSC chancellor wasn't so thoughtful when she jumped off her apartment/condo building. Luckily she didn't hit anyone! Don't take anyone with you people!

OrangeDrink

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:31:35 -0800

I don't know how I feel about spending a ton of money to keep people from killing themselves.

suckafree

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:14:29 -0800

lol. i am a bit miffed at what it probably costs to try and save this guy. walnut creek was probably a lifeflight. why not just let the guy die as he was so intent on doing? you think he's going to feel better knowing that he survived? i bet this costs us 100k easy.

sf_bikebike

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:13:08 -0800

haha "FAIL" http://data.tumblr.com/zcTqHiK8c64t40km4C3w8NT1_400.jpg

Brock Keeling

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:59:04 -0800

that's how they show you that life isn't all that bad; that you could have been a walnut creek resident.

WillRadik

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:53:40 -0800

When you leap from the Golden Gate Bridge, they pull your broken ass out of the water and haul it all the way to Walnut Creek!?

WillRadik

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:53:17 -0800

When you leap from the Golden Gate Bridge, they pull your broken ass out of the water and haul it all the way to Walnut Creek!?

fizzandpop

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:37:52 -0800

Was it Eliot Spitzer?

Beth Spotswood

Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:20:12 -0800

You should interview Ken Holmes for SFist! He's surprisingly awesome to talk to...you know, for a coroner.