On Thursday, January 21st 2021, my (step) brother, Jesse Ling (of South Carolina) took his own life in West Virginia; by jumping from the New River Gorge Bridge, falling 876 feet into the river below.

Jesse left behind a family who loved him dearly, friends and colleagues who admired him, and two wonderful children who will never have their father again. 

Since its completion in 1977, the New River Gorge Bridge has claimed the lives of many who had the intention of taking their own life; due to the height and its lack of barriers. It is almost an advertisement for those who are looking to end their life, with nothing to prevent them or any opportunity to be potentiallysaved.

In the United States, the statistics, researched by the CDC, states that suicide is the 10th highest cause of death and that suicide claims the lives of over 48,300 people a year. That is 123 people a day, one death by suicide taking place every 12 minutes. I cannot and will not stand idly and silently on the sidelines when there are preventable measures that can be put in place at the bridge. Prevention requires a collective understanding and support that must occur at all levels of society—from survivors, advocates, families, elected officials, and communities. Effective prevention strategies are needed to promote awareness of suicide, while also promoting prevention, resilience, and a commitment to social change.

I know that having a preventative barrier put into place at the New River Gorge Bridge may not prevent others from taking their lives nor will not bring my brother back. However, it can make a difference in potentially saving others from making the ultimate decision to take their lives and sparing their loved ones from the heartbreak and pain that our family will never completely heal from.

I ask for the West Virginia elected officials to look deep within their hearts and to sincerely hear our plea, so that no more lives may be taken on the New River Gorge Bridge. I ask for them to use their position and power to answer the call of action in making a difference. I ask for them to no longer ignore this problematic situation and that our collective voice to not fall upon deaf ears. 
I ask for them to stand up and to say that enough is enough.