Suicides Were Frequent at the Golden Gate Bridge. Not Anymore.
The New York Times • • business
Key Points:
- Since its completion in 1937, the Golden Gate Bridge has been the site of over 2,000 confirmed suicides, with the actual number likely higher due to unobserved jumps and unrecovered bodies.
- In 2006, 34 people died by suicide at the bridge, prompting Paul Muller and others affected by these tragedies to initiate efforts to prevent further deaths.
- Their efforts culminated in the installation of a complex, miles-long stainless-steel suicide deterrent net system on both sides of the bridge, largely invisible to commuters but visible from the rail.
- Historically averaging 30 suicides per year, the number dropped significantly to eight in 2024 following the completion and fine-tuning of the net installation
