We'd like to think that all visitors to NYC come here to see the sights, see the shows, walk the streets, eat the eclectic food, and generally soak up the city's culture and spirit. Sadly, as this New York magazine article explains, some people come here expressly to kill themselves. Why? Well, as the city of opportunity, there appear to be many opportunities to kill oneself here. Some "hot" suicide spots:
The George Washington Bridge
The Empire State Building
The Subway (jumping in front of oncoming trains)
Interestingly enough this article doesn't mention NYU's Bobst Library which, a few years ago, was the place to off oneself. If you've ever been there, and I have, the library is about 8 or so stories high and, inside, the upper floors overlook a large atrium. Students and even some non-students would hurl themselves from these top floors down into this atrium. A few years ago they installed some kind of Plexiglas which has made this impossible. Still, it's scary to think about. Let's hope this is one tourist trend that doesn't continue.
The George Washington Bridge
The Empire State Building
The Subway (jumping in front of oncoming trains)
Interestingly enough this article doesn't mention NYU's Bobst Library which, a few years ago, was the place to off oneself. If you've ever been there, and I have, the library is about 8 or so stories high and, inside, the upper floors overlook a large atrium. Students and even some non-students would hurl themselves from these top floors down into this atrium. A few years ago they installed some kind of Plexiglas which has made this impossible. Still, it's scary to think about. Let's hope this is one tourist trend that doesn't continue.
Funny, I just went to an art exhibit at the BOBST library recently and then posted about suicide. What it is it about that place...
ReplyDeleteThere's something about Bobst that's rather grim, souless, and deadening. Such a place can't be a healthy place for anyone's mental faculties.
ReplyDeleteMy theory is that it's a city that is so heavily populated, someone would take notice.
ReplyDelete