Found Deceased OR - Owen Klinger, 18, University of Portland, 6 Oct 2019

[Podengo]

If I’m ever caught on camera people will assume I’m angry about something. I just have chronic worry face, aka “resting face”. Ironically I am one of the happier people I know. I catch myself in mirrors and am always surprised how sour I look. Maybe it’s just age. Lol

 

[La Louve]

RE: suicide prevention signs on the St. Johns bridge:

I don't drive over the St. Johns bridge very often anymore, so maybe someone here from St. Johns knows the answer, but I do know the Fremont bridge has suicide hotline phone # signs and I think call boxes too.

I did find this article though: 'You are loved': Group of women in St. Johns start club to help prevent suicides

"The women, who had never met before, created signs with messages of hope and place them on the iconic suspension bridge.

“You are loved. While there is hope there is life,” Tess Gadwa said, one of the volunteers who teamed up with Bennett.

Together they walked the green steel cable bridge carefully setting out the laminated signs.

“If we band together, we’re really powerful.”

I notice more and more of these types of signs lately around the community.

This next article is not for the weak-stomached, but it is very informative about deaths on Portland rivers - not just suicides -and why the rivers around here are so dangerous.

Nearly Every Week, a Body is Found in a Portland River. This is Not Normal.

Of interest in the article is the statistic that since barriers were installed on the Vista bridge, suicides dropped to zero.

I too have watched The Bridge. It is very haunting and sad, respectfully and beautifully filmed IMHO.

I wish for Owen's family that they find their way to peace in whatever the cause of his death turns out to be. I hope their support system is strong. They will especially need it if it does turn out to be ruled a suicide.

Still thinking of you, Owen.

:rose:

 

[Bree1950]

The University of Portland Beacon newspaper posted that the Portland Police said there was no evidence of foul play in death of Owen Klinger. Here is the link:
No evidence of foul play in Owen Klinger death, police say

 

[andrew oz]

The University of Portland Beacon newspaper posted that the Portland Police said there was no evidence of foul play in death of Owen Klinger. Here is the link:
No evidence of foul play in Owen Klinger death, police say

I think it's thoughtful that the school paper was given this information first - in the sense that having some control over the information might support community healing. ( I could be wrong on that, but seems like they were the first to know).

 

[LAborn]

RE: suicide prevention signs on the St. Johns bridge:

I don't drive over the St. Johns bridge very often anymore, so maybe someone here from St. Johns knows the answer, but I do know the Fremont bridge has suicide hotline phone # signs and I think call boxes too.

I did find this article though: 'You are loved': Group of women in St. Johns start club to help prevent suicides

"The women, who had never met before, created signs with messages of hope and place them on the iconic suspension bridge.

“You are loved. While there is hope there is life,” Tess Gadwa said, one of the volunteers who teamed up with Bennett.

Together they walked the green steel cable bridge carefully setting out the laminated signs.

“If we band together, we’re really powerful.”

I notice more and more of these types of signs lately around the community.

This next article is not for the weak-stomached, but it is very informative about deaths on Portland rivers - not just suicides -and why the rivers around here are so dangerous.

Nearly Every Week, a Body is Found in a Portland River. This is Not Normal.

Of interest in the article is the statistic that since barriers were installed on the Vista bridge, suicides dropped to zero.

I too have watched The Bridge. It is very haunting and sad, respectfully and beautifully filmed IMHO.

I wish for Owen's family that they find their way to peace in whatever the cause of his death turns out to be. I hope their support system is strong. They will especially need it if it does turn out to be ruled a suicide.

Still thinking of you, Owen.

:rose:

I don't think anyone has officially posted suicide posters, these were temporary signs placed by community members after multiple suicides.

 

[Sunshine95]

Sorry, but it's just pure ignorance to believe that there is not copycat suicide. It sounds like you don't understand depression or people who are suicidal. So therefore your opinion isn't helpful.

I disagree with this assertion that the poster doesn’t understand depression or suicide. As a licensed counselor I learned it’s best to create an open environment to discuss suicide after an attempt or death- that it’s more likely to help people talk about how they feel about it, that focusing on the topic is less likely to create new ideas or thoughts that end in suicidal attempts. I’m afraid I’m not being clear- but I think the original poster is correct to suggest having more dialogue is helpful. I believe avoiding the topic because of fear that’ll create copycats is misguided, and I think their post matters.

 

[LAborn]

I disagree with this assertion that the poster doesn’t understand depression or suicide. As a licensed counselor I learned it’s best to create an open environment to discuss suicide after an attempt or death- that it’s more likely to help people talk about how they feel about it, that focusing on the topic is less likely to create new ideas or thoughts that end in suicidal attempts. I’m afraid I’m not being clear- but I think the original poster is correct to suggest having more dialogue is helpful. I believe avoiding the topic because of fear that’ll create copycats is misguided, and I think their post matters.

'I was mainly focused on their first sentence: I don't think it makes sense at all (nor is there much scientific investigation into "copycat" suicides. Suicide rates can be very high among groups that have no TV, no internet.'
There are most certainly students who are depressed who see this and think about their current state. The best outcome is for those involved to say what's happening and address it head on. Suicide is not the answer. It may seem like the only answer in the moment, but it's not. I hope that Owen's parents, after they have gone through the grieving process, will speak out about teen suicide. It's not the answer, and only perpetuates grief.

 

[LAborn]

I disagree with this assertion that the poster doesn’t understand depression or suicide. As a licensed counselor I learned it’s best to create an open environment to discuss suicide after an attempt or death- that it’s more likely to help people talk about how they feel about it, that focusing on the topic is less likely to create new ideas or thoughts that end in suicidal attempts. I’m afraid I’m not being clear- but I think the original poster is correct to suggest having more dialogue is helpful. I believe avoiding the topic because of fear that’ll create copycats is misguided, and I think their post matters.

Maybe you didn't read what they wrote: "I don't think it makes sense at all (nor is there much scientific investigation into "copycat" suicides. Suicide rates can be very high among groups that have no TV, no internet." There are most definitely copycat suicides. Why would anyone suggest that there aren't? Ridiculous.

 

[La Louve]

I don't think anyone has officially posted suicide posters, these were temporary signs placed by community members after multiple suicides.

BBM I understand that.

I believe the State installed the signs on the Fremont Bridge. I was asking if there were those types of signs on the St. Johns bridge.

 

[LAborn]

BBM I understand that.

I believe the State installed the signs on the Fremont Bridge. I was asking if there were those types of signs on the St. Johns bridge.

I don't think so. There was a mother of four who committed suicide recently, and community members posted their own signs as support for those considering suicide, but nearly 100% sure the city hasn't done anything official. Maybe that will change soon.

 

[Sunshine95]

Since you are a "licensed counselor" be sure what you say is very accurate before you post, as people seem to find your opinion credible.

I did. That’s what I was taught. Do you have information about copycat suicides? If so please share I’m sincerely interested. Thanks

 

[LAborn]

I did. That’s what I was taught. Do you have information about copycat suicides? If so please share I’m sincerely interested. Thanks

It's deductive reasoning. They don't publicize, and actually hide, the suicides that occur on that bridge BECAUSE they don't want others to get the same idea. There's a neighborhood facebook page where community members share the info, otherwise no one other than family members would know about these cases.

 

[Lilibet]

DBM

 

[Lilibet]

I did. That’s what I was taught. Do you have information about copycat suicides? If so please share I’m sincerely interested. Thanks

It's deductive reasoning. They don't publicize, and actually hide, the suicides that occur on that bridge BECAUSE they don't want others to get the same idea. There's a neighborhood facebook page where community members share the info, otherwise no one other than family members would know about these cases.

Here is a large study that determined that copycat suicides do, in fact, exist. They are mostly influenced by friends attempting or committing suicide.However, knowing that this increased risk can last a year or more ought to alert parents and counselors that there needs to be lasting conversation, not silence IMO.
Are Suicidal Behaviors Contagious in Adolescence?: Using Longitudinal Data to Examine Suicide Suggestion*
Using three waves of data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, we evaluate whether new suicidal thoughts and attempts are in part responses to exposure to the suicide attempts of role models, specifically friends and family. We find that the suicide attempts of role models do in fact trigger new suicidal thoughts and in some cases attempts, even after significant controls are introduced. Moreover, we find that these effects fade with time, that girls are more vulnerable to them than boys, and that the relationship to the role model—for teenagers at least—matters. Friends appear to be more salient role models for both boys and girls.
<snip>

While this study provides important information for the evolution of the sociology of suicide, our findings also have vital policy implications for public health officials attempting to prevent adolescent suicide. Namely, policies and practitioners need to be sensitive to the importance of suicide attempts (and not simply suicides), particularly among peers and particularly for girls. Additionally, the increased risk of suicidality associated with the suicide attempts of friends may last a year or more, which is longer than previously thought.

 

[Bree1950]

The UP Beacon newspaper also said in their write up of the Memorial service that
No media coverage was allowed of the eulogies. I thought this was odd? I couldn’t imagine a reason for this? It is not a UP rule because many funerals and Memorial services have been broadcast from there in their entirety. I think their is still denial occurring regarding this being a suicide. I’m not trying to judge a grieving family, but some of the interviews have been surprising to me. Owen’s life mattered and so does his death. So many could be helped by his story. I was hoping the family would have set up funds for a crisis center with counselors on campus vs a scholarship. Just my thoughts.

 

[Lilibet]

The UP Beacon newspaper also said in their write up of the Memorial service that
No media coverage was allowed of the eulogies. I thought this was odd? I couldn’t imagine a reason for this? It is not a UP rule because many funerals and Memorial services have been broadcast from there in their entirety. I think their is still denial occurring regarding this being a suicide. I’m not trying to judge a grieving family, but some of the interviews have been surprising to me. Owen’s life mattered and so does his death. So many could be helped by his story. I was hoping the family would have set up funds for a crisis center with counselors on campus vs a scholarship. Just my thoughts.

I think we have to take into consideration the view of the Catholic Church regarding suicide. Although it has evolved over the years, and a mass is now allowed for the person, it is still considered a serious (mortal) sin (which can be mitigated by “diminished responsibility.”) Under those circumstances, I can understand why there was no media coverage and why his family and the catholic university has remained silent on the subject so far. I suspect they are reluctant to give an impression of condoning suicide and denying God’s right to judge the circumstances involved.

Quoting from the linked article, after explaining in some detail why suicide is considered a mortal sin it states:

Here again the Catechism states, “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide” (#2282). This qualification does not make suicide a right action in any circumstance; however, it does make us realize that the person may not be totally culpable for the action because of various circumstances or personal conditions.

Only God can read the depths of our soul. Only He knows how much we love Him and how responsible we are for our actions. We leave the judgment then to Him alone. The Catechism offers words of great hope: “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (#2283). Therefore, we do offer the Mass for the repose of the soul of a suicide victim, invoking God’s tender love and mercy, and His healing grace for the grieving loved ones.
BBM

What is the Church's teaching regarding suicide? - Catholic Straight Answers

 

[rustbeltrose]

I came upon a post that has helped me to process the grief I've experienced from Owen's death and to start healing. Written by a psychotherapist from Portland, and interestingly also mentions the St Johns Bridge. Linking it here in case anyone is interested. Extremely Dark Places: The role of empathy in healing from suicide - Five Bodies Counseling

 

[LAborn]

I think we have to take into consideration the view of the Catholic Church regarding suicide. Although it has evolved over the years, and a mass is now allowed for the person, it is still considered a serious (mortal) sin (which can be mitigated by “diminished responsibility.”) Under those circumstances, I can understand why there was no media coverage and why his family and the catholic university has remained silent on the subject so far. I suspect they are reluctant to give an impression of condoning suicide and denying God’s right to judge the circumstances involved.

Quoting from the linked article, after explaining in some detail why suicide is considered a mortal sin it states:

Here again the Catechism states, “Grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture can diminish the responsibility of the one committing suicide” (#2282). This qualification does not make suicide a right action in any circumstance; however, it does make us realize that the person may not be totally culpable for the action because of various circumstances or personal conditions.

Only God can read the depths of our soul. Only He knows how much we love Him and how responsible we are for our actions. We leave the judgment then to Him alone. The Catechism offers words of great hope: “We should not despair of the eternal salvation of persons who have taken their own lives. By ways known to Him alone, God can provide the opportunity for salutary repentance. The Church prays for persons who have taken their own lives” (#2283). Therefore, we do offer the Mass for the repose of the soul of a suicide victim, invoking God’s tender love and mercy, and His healing grace for the grieving loved ones.
BBM

What is the Church's teaching regarding suicide? - Catholic Straight Answers

Has anyone ever committed suicide outside of "grave psychological disturbances, anguish, or grave fear of hardship, suffering, or torture?" This is just reminding me of the many reasons I left the Catholic church.

 

[Lilibet]

I came upon a post that has helped me to process the grief I've experienced from Owen's death and to start healing. Written by a psychotherapist from Portland, and interestingly also mentions the St Johns Bridge. Linking it here in case anyone is interested. Extremely Dark Places: The role of empathy in healing from suicide - Five Bodies Counseling

What a beautiful article! I was particularly struck by this:

Empathy helps us to understand, compassion allows us to experience some sympathy for what we have come to understand, and forgiveness allows us to release our expectations that things “should have been” otherwise.
.............
In finding empathy, compassion and forgiveness for their dramatic final exits, perhaps we also find some compassion and forgiveness for ourselves, for all the ways we have stumbled and faltered on our own life paths, for the times we have been discouraged and disappointed by our own choices, our limiting self-doubts, our dashed dreams, our ruined relationships, our aging bodies, and all the other fundamental hardships and inherent frailties of being human.

 

[10ofRods]

So...can someone list some “copycat” suicides? I am not counting suicides that take place after a celebrity dies unless the same method is used. (So, no one who killed themselves due to Michael Jackson’s unintentional non-suicide used the method that killed him; I know there was a suicide attributed to Amy Winehouse’s non-suicide death by misadventure. I know that initially the death of Brittany Murphy’s husband was thought to be a grief reaction (and possible copycat) suicide, but it was ruled due to natural causes.

So. Given that you all have been following true crime for a long time (most of you), where are the certain copycat suicides (or even, putative ones)? Because I’d truly like to look at the dynamics of those.