Record number jumps to death off Golden Gate Bridge

Contrary to its namesake, the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has a reputation as being a bridge of death as people keep jumping off the majestic structure.

And related authorities said Tuesday that a record number of people ― 46 ― jumped to their deaths in apparent suicides last year.

The Bridge Rail Foundation, which was launched for the specific purpose of preventing people from jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge said more safety and preventive facilities are needed to stop people from taking the leap.

The main bridge is about 67 meters from the surface of the waters below and the probability of mortality is seen as 100 percent. It has become one of the deadliest locations in the world in terms of suicides.

“It was the highest number since the bridge was built in 1937 and even higher than the 40 recorded in 1977,” said Dayna Witmer of the foundation.

A spokesman for the foundation added that at least 118 people were talked down by police and emergency rescue personnel from jumping last year.

She said $66 million is required to install new safety facilities along the bridge but increased surveillance units will be cycling along as a preventive measure as an immediate initiative to prevent more suicides.