The Final Leap: Suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge

Description

The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most beautiful and most photographed structures in the world. It’s also the most deadly. Since it opened in 1937, more than 1,500 people have died jumping off the bridge, making it the top suicide site on earth. It’s also the only international landmark without a suicide barrier. Weaving drama, tragedy, and politics against the backdrop of a world-famous city, The Final Leap is the first book ever written about Golden Gate Bridge suicides. John Bateson leads us on a fascinating journey that uncovers the reasons for the design decision that led to so many deaths, provides insight into the phenomenon of suicide, and examines arguments for and against a suicide barrier. He tells the stories of those who have died, the few who have survived, and those who have been affected―from loving families to the Coast Guard, from the coroner to suicide prevention advocates. Cover......Page 1 Title......Page 4 Copyright......Page 5 Contents......Page 8 Acknowledgments......Page 10 Prologue......Page 14 1. Beauty and Death......Page 20 2. Fatal Decisions......Page 36 3. Endless Ripple......Page 68 4. Opening Up......Page 93 5. Surviving the Fall......Page 114 6. In Lieu of a Net......Page 142 7. Guardians of an Icon......Page 167 8. The Barrier Debate......Page 212 Epilogue......Page 239 A. Explaining Suicide......Page 254 B. Help and Resources......Page 275 C. Golden Gate Bridge Suicides......Page 277 Bibliography......Page 314 B......Page 332 G......Page 333 M......Page 334 S......Page 335 Z......Page 336