The Golden Gate Bridge: A Tragic Magnet for Suicidal Jumpers

Every two weeks, on average, someone jumps from the Golden Gate Bridge, making it the world's leading suicide location. This article delves into why so many people opt for this tragic end and what measures have been taken (or not) to prevent such acts.

Why the Golden Gate Bridge?

The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is not just a symbol of San Francisco; it has become a grim gateway to the unknown for those in despair. Potential jumpers often cite it as their preferred choice, believing it to offer a quick and clean death, far from the unlovely Bay Bridge. For example, many who choose the Golden Gate are drawn to the idea of hitting the water cleanly, like a high diver, rather than the brutal reality of hitting the land or water at high speed.

The Physics and Brutality of the Jump

However, what happens to a person's body when they hit the water is anything but lovely. According to a study by The New Yorker, eighty-five percent of jumpers suffer from broken ribs, which can rip through the spleen, lungs, and heart. Vertebrae often snap, and the liver often ruptures. Dr. Lanny Berman, director of the American Association of Suicidology, explains that suicidal people often have transformation fantasies and magical thinking. They believe life will slow down in those final seconds and they'll hit the water cleanly. But in reality, the impact is anything but clean.

Beyond the Impact: Statistics and Survivors

According to data, at least twelve hundred people have been seen jumping or have been found in the water since the bridge opened in 1937. Many of these jumpers vanish forever, swept away by the currents or trapped in bridge eddies. The rare survivors almost always die shortly after due to the severity of their injuries. Those who don't die immediately face the risk of shark attacks or being devoured by crabs, as evidenced by the recent disappearance of two bodies.

Why the Process Is So Easy

The obvious question is why such accessibility hasn't led to the installation of measures to prevent these tragic incidents. Unlike the Bay Bridge or most bridges, the Golden Gate has an adjacent footpath with a low railing. This makes it easier for those in crisis to act on their suicidal thoughts. Dr. Jerome Motto, a local psychiatrist, has described the Golden Gate as "like having a loaded gun on your kitchen table." The structural design, with its four-foot railing, remains as it was built, catering to a short builder's needs. Additionally, the San Francisco board has adamantly refused to install a 'catcher's net' to discourage jumpers. The board's criteria of cost, aesthetics, and effectiveness have been cited as reasons for not installing any barriers.

Historical Data and Future Hope

A study by Dr. Max Seiden, 'Where Are They Now,' published in 1978, followed up on five hundred and fifteen people who were prevented from attempting suicide at the bridge. After an average of over twenty-six years, ninety-four percent of these individuals were either still alive or had died of natural causes. This study confirms that suicidal behavior is often crisis-oriented and acute in nature. Getting people through the crisis can often deter them from following through with their intention.

While the Golden Gate remains a tragic symbol of despair, efforts to prevent these acts continue. As safety measures are installed on other similar structures, such as the Empire State Building, the Duomo, and the Eiffel Tower, the hope is that similar barriers can be installed at the Golden Gate to save lives. The millions of dollars spent by the city on public safety measures show a commitment to finding a solution.