Missing Itaewon disaster first responder found dead
According to reports from Yonhap News, the missing 2022 Itaewon disaster first responder has been found dead. Captured from X, formerly Twitter
A firefighter who suffered from depression since being dispatched to the 2022 deadly crowd crush was found dead Wednesday, 10 days after going missing, officials said.
A police officer discovered the 30-year-old's body under a bridge near an expressway in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, at about 12:30 p.m., after he went missing on Aug. 10, according to the police.
The man was last seen early that morning after passing a nearby tollbooth in his vehicle.
No signs of foul play were detected and police suspect that he died after walking toward the Siheung area.
They plan to investigate the exact circumstances of his death.
The firefighter had been treated for depression after responding to the deadly crowd crush in the nightlife district of Itaewon during Halloween weekend in 2022, which claimed 159 lives.
He had reportedly left a note apologizing to his family and friends before going missing.
Rescue officials mobilized 330 personnel for the search efforts over the past 11 days.
President Lee Jae Myung expressed condolences over the death of the firefighter, noting the government will make efforts to extend a helping hand to victims, families and rescue officers to overcome trauma caused by disasters and accidents.
"Our society has not established a sufficient social safety net and psychological support system needed to fully face and heal from national and collective traumas," Lee said in a Facebook post.
"To address such issues, our society needs to share the pain, recognize our collective responsibility with gravity and join forces for recovery," Lee said.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide, contact Korea's Suicide Crisis hotline by dialing 109 from any phone. For foreign language assistance connecting with mental health professionals, please call Danuri Portal's helpline at 1577-1366.