Golden Gate Bridge Suicides - The Many Left Behind

Given an estimated 2000 suicides at the bridge, many, many more have been left behind than the estimated 40 who have survived a jump since the Golden Gate Bridge was opened in 1937.

Many families who lost a loved one to suicide at the bridge turned their grief into advocacy to help prevent future families from experiencing their loss.

Some offered support to other grieving survivors and attended Golden Gate Bridge District meetings to advocate for a suicide deterrent while others shared their stories to educate the public on suicide prevention.

The Whitmers 

Mark and Dayna Whitmer were faced with the terror of their son, Matthew, disappearing in 2007. Evidence pointed to a potential jump from the Golden Gate Bridge and one was witnessed that morning. That body was never recovered and the Whitmers have lived in limbo since. Their struggle lead them to the BridgeRail Foundation which allowed them to direct their grief in action and advocacy for suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

The Gamboas

On September 20, 2013, Kimberlyrenee and Manuel Gamboa lost their 18 year old son, Kyle, after he had skipped school to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. Two months after his death, Kyle's parents started attending and speaking at every monthly Golden Gate Bridge District Board meeting to advocate for the net until the bridge district finally secured funding for the net in June of 2014.