Everyone deserves a second chance. On September 9,  2025, my 19-year-old son tragically took his life on Portland's St. Johns Bridge. This has been a heart-wrenching and unimaginable loss for our family, a void that will never be filled. In our grief, we have come to realize that there are steps we can take to prevent other families from experiencing this indescribable pain.

St. Johns Bridge is not just a stunning architectural marvel but, regrettably, it has also become a site where individuals go to end their lives. The beauty of the bridge masks the silent desperation faced by those who see it as a final exit. This must change; the bridge should be a symbol of hope and resilience, not despair.

Statistics show that the installation of safety nets on bridges across the world has significantly reduced the number of suicides. For instance, the Golden Gate Bridge's new suicide deterrent system, completed in 2023, is expected to dramatically lessen the number of suicide attempts. Portland's St. Johns Bridge could greatly benefit from a similar preventative measure.

By installing safety nets, we can give people the time to reconsider their actions, the chance to pause and reflect, potentially allowing a moment of crisis to pass. Mental health resources and crisis intervention services could also be made more accessible, but a physical barrier is an immediate step we can take.

The Situation at St. Johns Bridge

The St. Johns Bridge is a significant span, 400 ft above the Willamette River, and carries traffic across Portland. 

It is maintained by the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT). 

Currently, its railings are insufficient to deter individuals who are intent on jumping; there is no safety netting or barrier in place specifically to prevent such acts. 

The bridge has been associated with suicide attempts and fatalities for years. 

Community voices and online petitions are already calling for stronger protective measures for Portland’s bridges.

These facts underscore a fundamental gap: though we hope people don’t reach a point where they jump, the reality is they do. Infrastructure must do its part to protect them when they are at their lowest.

We urge the city of Portland, local government officials, and community leaders to prioritize the mental well-being of its citizens by investing in the installation of safety nets on St. Johns Bridge. Doing so could save lives and spare other families the pain and heartache we endure every day.

Please sign this petition to compel action and ensure that St. Johns Bridge becomes a beacon of safety and hope for ALL, preventing tragedies and providing people with a chance for tomorrow.