After two people leapt to their deaths from the Kingston-Rhinecliff bridge within the span of a few days, Rhinebeck town board members are calling for more suicide prevention work to be done.
At a meeting on Monday, Aug. 25, Supervisor Elizabeth Spinzia suggested “comprehensive signage” beyond what was already in place to dissuade jumpers and connect them to help.
She also suggested adding netting to catch jumpers. Chris Steber, a Bridge Authority spokesman, has said this would make bridge plowing and maintenance more difficult. He also pointed out that emergency responders would still have to come rescue the person from the net. For those reasons, he said fencing was preferable. The Bridge Authority did a study in 2022 and estimated it would cost $75-$120 million to install climb-deterrent fencing across all six of its bridges, including the Kingston-Rhinecliff.
Many suicide prevention experts emphasize that barriers delay impulsive decisions.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In Ulster County, the 24/7 Mobile Mental Health Team can be reached at (844) 277-4820. You can also dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or reach out to Family of Woodstock’s hotline at (845) 338-2370 for immediate local support.
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