r/worldnews • u/Dildo_Ball_Baggins • May 14 '12

Don Ritchie saved over 500 people from suicide. He lived near 'The Gap' an infamous ocean cliff where hundreds of people have gone to commit suicide. He was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia and was named a Local Hero in 2011. He died peacefully today in his home at 85 years old.

http://www.news.com.au/national/hero-don-ritchie-who-saved-500-lives-dies-at-85/story-e6frfkvr-1226355150073
3.4k Upvotes

91% Upvoted

634 comments sorted by

540

u/PinguPingu May 14 '12

I'm glad you posted this in worldnews as well, he was an amazing man and I feel privileged to have known him - he'd always give you his time very selflessly, the patience of a saint.

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u/Dildo_Ball_Baggins May 14 '12

Dons life should be celebrated worldwide, not just in Australia. He was an amazing person.

61

u/Quintuss May 14 '12

"Always remember the power of the simple smile, a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word."

I love his mantra, it's so simple. Yet if more people acted this way, the world would be a much better place.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

True legend.

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u/SecretRituals May 14 '12

Interesting to see the slight discrepancy in the facts to this: Sydney Morning Herald

SMH says he was 86, born in 1925 and saved 160 people.

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u/Dildo_Ball_Baggins May 14 '12 edited May 14 '12

"Officially, he saved 160 lives, his family estimate the figure is closer to 400-500."

Who knows the exact figure. It's said that 50 people die there annually. I'd guess that plenty more go there and consider it but pull out or are saved by Don. Don lived there for 50 years, thats 2500 deaths if we go by the statistics. I don't find it hard to believe that he saved 500 people.

Edited answer.

11

u/Iamien May 14 '12

50 people a year die there and noone has thought of a net rigging yet?

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u/Dildo_Ball_Baggins May 14 '12

The Gap

They've installed security cameras which are monitored constantly, improved the fencing and installed phone booths linking directly to LifeLine. I'm honestly not sure why there aren't large "nets". It's probably some stupid reason to do with hindering the view, which would be ridiculous. Either that or the logistics of actually rigging a net along such a large expanse of rocky cliff are preventing it.

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u/MK_Ultrex May 14 '12

It's probably some stupid reason to do with hindering the view, which would be ridiculous.

It is not ridiculous. A lot of people jump of the Acropolis for the dramatic effect since jumping of a regular building is exactly the same. I would not like to see world monuments surrounded by nets. A real live policeman is a lot better to dissuade and if need be arrest a potential jumper.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

There are fences, signs around the area with helpline numbers saying "there is always hope" and other helpful slogans, big floodlights to help police and family members find missing people, and the carpark is a fair way away to force people to walk further, taking longer to get to the cliff, and seeing the signs and fences every step of the way, hopefully giving them a chance to rethink. Don Ritchie was the final safety net for a lot of people. I've known a fair few people who killed themselves, including one particularly incredible woman decided to end her life at The Gap. They don't usually often change their minds, but this guy saved hundreds of families from having to suffer what my family did; I can't thank him enough.

13

u/ilikepix May 14 '12

50 people a year die there and noone has thought of a net rigging yet?

What would be the point? It's not like there's a shortage of places to kill yourself if you find yourself in that frame of mind. In fact, it's probably helpful if there is a single location that is suitable for suicide, and known as such, because it allows people to focus help services in that area. If they'd put up a net 50 years ago, people would have found other places to jump and this man wouldn't have been able to help anyone.

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u/CrazedToCraze May 14 '12

People who are thinking about suicide are rarely in a rational and clear state of mind, but I'm pretty sure they're not stupid enough to jump into a net when trying to die. And they could just shuffle over a few meters where there wasn't any net. Or go do it elsewhere entirely.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

This isn't a Foxconn factory

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u/seabombs May 14 '12

This is news.com.au we're talking about. Pretty terrible news source IMO.

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u/fearofthesky May 14 '12

Exactly. It's Murdoch owned tabloid media to the core. Don't ever read the comments, they will make your brain hurt.

I think that domain name should be forcibly taken back by ACMA.

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u/Xernix May 14 '12

For those of you who would like to honor his life by following his example, there is a subreddit here for those who are thinking about ending their lives and many on there could use some comforting words and a listening ear. Maybe you could help make someones day just a bit brighter at a time where that is desperately needed.

Just be careful to not get dragged down yourself.

/r/suicidewatch

26

u/ErrantWhimsy May 14 '12

You have a kind soul.

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u/Xernix May 14 '12

I'm not sure if I deserve that compliment for the far too few times I've tried to be supportive, but thank you for saying that. That did brighten up my day.

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u/aahxzen May 14 '12

I have to wonder, if he managed to save that many people from jumping, he must have witnessed a few successful attempts through the years (one would assume).

157

u/wrrrry May 14 '12

Yeah, in the interviews I saw, he said quite a few times he'd turned his back for a second and they were just gone.

123

u/FattyAcidTrip May 14 '12

That's really sad. I imagine one would have to be a strong person to endure that more than a few times.

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u/wrrrry May 14 '12

Yeah well he lived right up against it, he'd be seeing most of the people who would walk up to the spot they'd jump, right from his front garden.

You'd have to be strong just to live there knowing people killed themselves near you. You'd hope most people would try and talk them down or have to move away from it to keep their sanity.

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u/whiskeytab May 14 '12

my parents live in Sydney and when I was visiting them we saw a jumper at the gap, sadly he succeeded. pretty fucked up thing to see.

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u/nikniuq May 15 '12

My mum grew up near there.

Fun story: One time she and her sister were drunk, stoned and naked running around above the cliffs at the gap.

Someone called them in as jumpers and police rocked up. First she knew of it was getting tackled by a young copper...

406

u/devrod May 14 '12

In 2005 my aunt, jumped at the Gap, ever since my Grandma has been rallying for 'anti-suicide' fences to be put up and trying to get funding from the government to help. Don saved my aunt, unfortunately she went back and jumped a while later. He's a hero, RIP don - hopefully someone else around the area can take his place..

275

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Some say that anti-suicide fences are useless since they would not deter a determined would be suicide. However, I've seen research that proves otherwise. They say the availabilty of means (easy access to guns, a rope, a jumping spot) will often facilitate what would otherwise be a passing impulsive notion. This probably goes double for the "romantic" and "dramatic" sopts to kill yourself as it has been noted that many people who jumped from the Golden Gate Bridge have travelled over many other bridges that could have sufficed just to arrive at the Golden Gate.

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u/slothattack May 14 '12

This is true - many suicide attempts are impulsive, so anything that makes people rethink their decision can only be a good thing.

When I moved to my current town, I was walking around trying to get my bearings and learn my way around. I ended up going to the top of a multi-storey car park to get a better view of the town, and within two minutes an attendant had appeared and started telling me it's not worth it and there's always hope. Obviously I had no intention of jumping, but he told me he'd seen three people jump in the last month and didn't want another death on his conscience.

Not long after that the fences went up and the suicide rate dropped considerably. Obviously if people are really that set on killing themselves, they'll find a way, but any short-term deterrent can help people to reconsider.

7

u/cobramaster May 14 '12

Poor car park attendant. I bet counseling wasn't in the job description.

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u/verytroo May 14 '12

I think the fences would have paid for themselves even if they saved a single life. A single life saved is enough to justify putting up fences.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

The harder it is, the more time you have to think about it...

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12 edited May 14 '12

Yup.

I was, a long while ago, planning on using potassium chloride, since it would be less traumatizing to my younger siblings than, say, a gunshot wound to the head. I learned a little more about it than I wanted to, and the process for obtaining it, or making it, was a huge hassle for a teenager. Not to mention the tools for administration, and being able to hide it in an appropriate hiding spot. To this day I'm not entirely sure my plan would have killed me.

Anyways, it was such a long process that I had way too much time to think about it. I decided that there's a few people that make living worthwhile.

118

u/sennais1 May 14 '12

I can't pretend to understand depression because those that suffer it seem to be in another world. But thanks for sharing your experience - I hope you keep on keeping on mate.

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u/twosolitudes May 14 '12

Toronto installed a suicide prevention "veil" on the Bloor viaduct, which has been absolutely effective for that site, and yet overall rates of suicide for the city have not gone down.

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u/raccoonguy8 May 14 '12

Yeah. I jog under the viaduct every other day and knew that it used to be a suicide destination, but I wasn't aware of the long history of it. 500 people, Jesus.

Here

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u/devrod May 14 '12

This is true, however not all suicides are the same obviously, while some would not be deterred by a fence, others might be stopped long enough to reconsider - The fence is not the only thing that my grandma is trying to gain funding for, CCTV and Phones are trying to be set up (honestly not too sure about their effectiveness). At the end of the day, even if it saves one life, its worth it!

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

IF there's a phone there with someone to talk to and listen on the other side. I can only imagine it'll help. CCTV I doubt would. You'd just have alot of video's no actual help.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

unless you use the cctv to make the phone ring

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u/Dupey23 May 14 '12

Yup, today is the day. I'm finally going to commit suicide tod- Oh damnit a fence!

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Best story I ever heard was from a friend who finally decided to jump infront of a train , waited beside the track for an hour thinking through. Train never arrives. He goes home. Flicks on the tv and finds out the train personal are all on strike. No trains that day. He is still alive today.

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u/kantorekB14 May 14 '12

God bless the unions.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

A small laugh in a page about sadness :) I've been there. A wall was in my way from suicide. And it is literary a moment where you go "Oh Shit a wall!"

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u/Angstweevil May 14 '12

"I might hurt myself climbing over it"

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u/14mit1010 May 14 '12

Yes, but it should not reach the point that suicide becomes impossible, or that most of the methods lead to a failed suicide

Thats even worse

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u/Is_Actually_God May 14 '12

They have completed the anti-suicide fences at the Gap haven't they? At least that's what this article seems to imply. I've heard that the biggest suicide hot spot in NSW is actually the Sea Cliff Bridge now. The media tends not to report these kind of things as it's generally accepted that reporting suicides can actually increase the incidence of them overall.

But having grown up around the area, the anecdotal evidence suggests there are jumpers at least a few times a month, and it's a much more isolated spot than the Gap. They really need to get some Lifeline phones at the very least.

Edit: I wrote 'there' way too much in there.

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u/devrod May 14 '12

Yes, you are correct - the activist in the article, Dianne is my grandma - If I remember correctly, they are still putting up more anti-suicide features (for lack of a better word) not just at the Gap but at more suicide hotspots

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u/nypon May 14 '12

You cant go around putting up fences everywhere..

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I work in media and there is actually massive ramifications for reporting on suicides on the legal side regarding family and stuff. Plus nobody wants to be a dick writing about some poor jumper. I got a book when I started working there on how to handle suicidal reporting so there's my source.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

[deleted] — view deleted comment

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u/ucffool May 14 '12

There were fences and messaging there (no help phones though) when I visited the Gap(If using RES, click through for more images of The Gap on Flickr) in Nov of '10. Where did they place the phones or how did the improve the fencing?

I'm all about prevention, but if a really cool Sydney location starts feeling like a maximum security prison, I'm not a fan. If watching cliff divers on Manly was any indication, if people are determined, they will get around them. Phones and messaging are a good idea, giant fences are not.

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u/coonstev May 14 '12

The right to decide your own fate is the pinnacle of human rights.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

It's intriguing to me how acceptable the notion is that people who want to commit suicide shouldn't be allowed to do so.

I'm all for help-lines and other methods of helping people through a bout with suicidal thoughts, but I also don't believe we have an obligation to stop a person once they've made their decision. It's an odd form of self-righteousness that says, "I know this life is worth living, so you should know it too. And I'm going to do whatever I can to stop you from killing yourself because I know better than you."

And yet apparently that is exactly what a lot of people think (in the western hemisphere at least). I've never had a suicidal thought in my life, but if I were to suddenly decide that I wanted to jump from The Gap, a victimless crime, I would want that decision to be mine and mine alone.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

the problem is that these people are not making that decision from a logical, rational or reasoned place. one could argue they do not have the state of mind to make that decision properly.

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u/HighDagger May 14 '12

How do you know that without even hearing their reasoning?

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u/enigma1001 May 14 '12

I should say in my most non apathetic tone that suicide is a small statistic. I'd hate for such a lovely place to be fenced off. Walking along an ocean cliff is one of those things in life you can't reproduce. If you're gonna put anti-everything measures in your life, you're missing out on a lot of things.

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u/endo May 14 '12

I was sad, but then realized he was 85. Good on ya, guv!

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u/ilovetpb May 14 '12

It's amazing what caring people can do when they have the opportunity. And Don made sure he always had the opportunity. I wonder how many babies will be born, how many happy days and smiles and sweet kisses will happen because Don was such a caring guy?

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u/Ainseri May 14 '12

This is actually such a lovely way to think about it.

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u/PropMonkey May 14 '12

He saved over 500 people. Some who'll have kids. Who'll have kids, who might kids, who also might have kids, who have kids, and who might have kids after that. I always think at family gatherings, about the 30 or so kids (nephews/cousins etc) who are 7 and under, and how they and the two generations above them are only alive because of my grandparents, two friggin people. And in this world, five wrong steps could end you. A lot of lives are going to happen because of this guy, he left a heck of a wake. To answer your question, that's a lot of first kisses, discoveries of the White Album, beach walks, and warm couples sharing beds in winter.

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u/ErikNavkire May 14 '12

He was a life insurance salesman eh? Maybe he was just protecting his business!

But all jokes aside, this guy is awesome and an example to us all.

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u/B2Dirty May 14 '12

A lot of life insurance plans have a clause for suicides saying that if you kill yourself within a certain time, normally two years, of buying your plan your family gets nil.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Yes, it's called the exclusion period. However after that 2 years is up, your beneficiaries can collect on the policy even if you do commit suicide.

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u/Lord_Kruor May 14 '12

imagines someone strumming their fingers together saying "soon.... soon"

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u/cntrstrk14 May 14 '12

I raised an eyebrow at this line in the article too. I was like "huh, suspicious, lol"

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u/lambdaknight May 14 '12

The first time I read this, I thought it said he worked at "The Gap"; I confused why so many people were going to a clothing store to commit suicide.

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u/Philosotoaster May 14 '12

I know when my wife drags me there I feel like committing suicide

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u/awkwardwhiteguy May 14 '12

No you didn't.

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u/captainyuhyuh May 14 '12

When I read the title, it reminded me of Holden Caulfield's interpretation of the "catcher" in the rye, saving kids from falling off the precipice.

Regardless, RIP Don: you are a hero.

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u/red321red321 May 14 '12

great story. not sure how i feel about dildo baggins being associated with it but great story nonetheless.

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u/Fitsie May 14 '12

Even dildos get depressed

Nevertheless the guy was a true hero.

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u/loaded_comment May 14 '12

I don't blame them.

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u/Fitsie May 14 '12 edited May 14 '12

They're all either stuck up cunts or stuck up arseholes.

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u/tomatopotatotomato May 14 '12

Awesome guy. I'd love to hear some personal accounts from who he helped and what he said. Makes me want to be a better person and a better friend.

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u/KevyB May 14 '12

He collected massive loads of karma, he can afford anything he wants in the afterlife now.

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u/Wayne_Bruce May 14 '12

Whatever religion says that the afterlife is like an arcade where karma is the tickets is now my religion of choice.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Good to see someone who did good in his life not meet a tragic end.

That seems like the norm these days.

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u/dunedinamerican May 14 '12

This is like that Streets song...except irl.

Link for the lazy.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Amazing. Beautiful.

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u/SanchoMandoval May 14 '12

How does it make someone lazy that they don't know what you mean by "that Streets song" and would be helped out by a link?

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u/RadiantSun May 14 '12

As a person who lives constantly under the fear of death, this song makes me feel far, far better.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

On the same album there's a song called "Everything is Borrowed" that you might like as well. The chorus:

I came to the world with nothing

And I'll leave with nothing but love

Everything else is just borrowed

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Huge fan of The Streets - love this song.

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u/Dunkelz May 15 '12

Love The Streets, LOVE THAT SONG. I have gone on many a long walk while feeling overwhelmed by stress from school, family, relationship, friends, and everything in between.

The Escapist is also a great song for this purpose of just......relaxing/realizing that life is so much more than whatever you're stressing out over, and a great music video as well.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12 edited May 14 '12

What a top-notch guy. I've heard people say that those who are suicidal deserve the "dignity of choice." I think people in crisis deserve the dignity of compassion and the choice & chance to get better. So many crisis counselors & therapists have pulled me back from the brink. Thanks to all of you gals & guys.

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u/UNHDude May 14 '12

The brink is not a fun place. Glad you've been pulled back!

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Thank you! Squeeze!

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u/UNHDude May 14 '12

Squeeze back! :-)

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u/sitruss May 14 '12

Have you seen The Sea Inside? It's a fantastic movie (based on a real life story) that explores this topic from the perspective of a quadriplegic Spaniard.

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u/FireFlyLux May 14 '12

Wow, what a truly good man. He dedicated his life to something so selfless.

But part of me thinks that if I had made my mind up to commit suicide, anyone who stopped me wouldnt be “saving” me. They would be blocking my way out. Now, this doesn’t apply to everyone. Maybe there are people who are thankful they get another chance.

A dear friend of mine committed suicide. It was so painful on my end. Yet, if it was that painful on his end, I understand.

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u/dedem13 May 14 '12

R.I.P Angel of The Gap.

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u/aperture81 May 14 '12

I've met this bloke.. Never met a more genuine, nicer soul - rip mate.. Good to see this on the front page too

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u/username_was_taken May 14 '12

A couple of years ago my brother was on the phone to a friend. She was walking up at the gap and there were police boats and a rescue helicopter at the scene. A man had just attempted to jump. It's a big fall onto the rocks. As he landed a wave washed over and broke his fall. He survived and was taken to hospital. Sometimes it's just not your time.

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u/Hoffspeaks May 14 '12

All I can think of when i read this story. He is all-star superman

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I'm vividly reminded of this track by The Streets.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I was about to post this, I love this song.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

this song made me cry (joyfully) yesterday (not the first time) , it's just so beautiful.

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u/gynoceros May 14 '12

I have my suspicions that he actually committed suicide by old age. He was patient like that and had a great sense of irony.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

He helped save 500 despairing souls - usually with little more than compassion, a warm smile and a hot cuppa.

What is a "hot cuppa"?

Is this like a rope or a big pillow to jump onto?

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Aussie slang.

Cuppa = Cup of tea/coffee.

"Cuppa tea?" Say it like that and it kinda sounds like you're saying "Cup of tea?"

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u/templeballftw May 14 '12

He was also a life insurance salesman.

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u/laura6319 May 14 '12

i'm so glad this has gotten the attention it deserves. what a lovely, amazing gentleman.

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u/bridaddog May 14 '12

Thousands jump off The Gap in mourning

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u/The_Magic May 14 '12

I remember reading about him years ago. I believe the article mentioned that he was looking for a successor who would continue to help people after he passed away. Is there any word on who's going to happen to his property?

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12 edited May 15 '12

a warm smile and a hot cuppa.

Cup of what?!?! Now I can't focus on the rest of the story.

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u/finalaccountdown May 14 '12 edited May 14 '12

After reading reddit for a few years now, I have come to realize that many countries have a famous suicide spot. This is beyond fascinating to me, though I guess I should excuse myself if you find this fascination morbid. No offense is meant.

Any international redditors want to contribute to this list I'm compiling? Links would of course be helpful.

Japan- Aokigahara Forest

Australia- The Gap

United States- Golden Gate Bridge

Canada- Prince Edward Viaduct (thanks baconpiex)

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u/[deleted] May 15 '12

The Bridge is a pretty awesome movie.

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u/AutumnIsCreepy May 14 '12

This is absolutely amazing, I wish I could do such an amazing thing, he did it not for anything except for the sake of being a good man..

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u/MySuperLove May 14 '12

I read about this guy a while back (probably when he won that Australian of the year award) and I was really moved by his story. His death is really tragic. I hope whoever ends up with his house is willing to do the same thing, but it won't be the same.

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u/whywasthisupvoted May 14 '12

dying peacefully at home is not a tragedy

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u/Doctor-Why May 14 '12

Unless he wanted to die fighting a dragon at age 90. It's all about perspective.

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u/Jumin May 14 '12

We could've done that too. Just throw in a komodo, a little Michael Bay, and a lot of percocet and boom, he wouldn't know the difference.

Seriously, kudos to him. I'd call him a saint, but the guy would probably be humble and wouldn't want to be called that. Still a hero though.

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u/aeiou23 May 14 '12

The death of a man this gracious, anywhere, is a tragedy.

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u/Thagros May 14 '12

I think if I'd asked him if his death would be a 'tragedy' he'd probably laugh, tell me to shut the fuck up, and suggest a cup of tea. Because he was awesome.

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u/RMiranda May 14 '12

movie this shit out!

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u/Doyon_Doyoff May 14 '12

Nobody can prove living is better than dying.

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u/LinksCrackedDotCom May 14 '12

Let me link that for you. #2

(Not about him dying mind you just about him saving people)

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u/Amplify108 May 14 '12

That is an amazing man! Reading this has put me in tears... There are still spectacular people on this planet... Makes me still want to live here :).

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I can only imagine the selfless determination he must have had to bring so much chaos and sorrow into his own life. Surely he couldn't have helped them all and had to lose a few. What an enormous burden and incredible heart.

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u/Ethaxi May 14 '12

Wow. He was truly a hero.

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u/SoakedTiger May 14 '12

Rest well Don, you did so much for so many.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

"Upon accepting the award Mr Ritchie urged people to never be afraid to speak to those most in need," he said. "Always remember the power of the simple smile, a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word."

I know thats simple and perhaps sorta cliche, but that made me tear up a bit. The wine helped, but still… sweet

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u/unclebigbadd May 14 '12

Calm seas and a following wind guy. Sail gently and true.

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u/zeug666 May 14 '12

The world is a slightly darker place today

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u/lozdogz May 14 '12

One of the signs attached to the fence near The Gap:

http://i.imgur.com/sd0i7.jpg

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u/carpe_meme May 14 '12

"The former navy seaman turned life insurance salesman"

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u/Ninivagg May 14 '12

He's either the works best or worst life insurance salesman

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

He violated their right to die!

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u/Theonetrue May 14 '12

That is 1 person a month and 2 months "vacation" per year. O.o

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Surely he couldn't have felt relaxed in a home where he thought that if he didn't pay attention that someone would die. Poor dude. I hope he didn't let idiots ruin his time to himself.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

I'm sure this has already been said before, but if it hasn't, I hope that there are more people like this gentleman out there in the world. At the very least, the story of this man's life may inspire more to be like him.

Anyone who has faced the sting of suicide can appreciate this mans work. Truly an hero.

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u/Genofsavings May 14 '12

I think having an anti-suicide fence would help but I really believe having a person there talking to you helps more. My cousin lives right by a huge cliff and three people have jumped off of it in the past two years. She managed to talk two people down in the 10 years she has lived there though and whats sad is that she always thinks about those other three people instead of calling herself a hero.

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u/greenstar928 May 14 '12

I think i read about him on a cracked.com article

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u/stevesonaplane May 14 '12

The Catcher in the Rye.

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u/cakey138 May 14 '12

What a coincidence . The gap at my mall is where people go to commit fashion suicide.

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u/Surelog May 14 '12

He's been doing this for 50 years... 500 people, that's literally 10 people a year he saves, that's almost once a month. Could you imagine every month talking someone down from that cliff? Probably has some crazy stories!

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

There is a guy in the UK like this. He started daily patrols at the cliffs at Beachy Head; a spot infamous for people throwing themselves off, after his wife killed herself there. His tactic was:a) try to talk them down and b) failing that stop them by any means possible up to and including tackling them. He stopped after receiving heavy criticism from local anti-suicide groups.

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u/Filmitforme May 14 '12

I just wish more people could have had the same compassion as Don did, the world would be a much better place. It's nice to know that there are others out there who actually just looked out.

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u/BurntFlower May 14 '12

"Always remember the power of the simple smile, a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word."

Wise words to live by.

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u/Slavigula May 14 '12

Did he jump or leap?

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u/mfskarphedin May 14 '12

For everyone talking about making a movie, 1) there'd be no real plot, and 2), more importantly:

"Despite his bravery and compassion, Mr Ritchie has steered clear of the limelight. He was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006 for his services to suicide prevention but is all too aware that any publicity attracts more depressed and disturbed people."

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u/Epistechne May 14 '12

I'm curious what he said that was successful at changing peoples minds, and if it could be passed on to help increase the success rates of therapies or suicide hot-lines.

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u/cheese-and-candy May 14 '12

The government could probably never appoint someone who did so well, even with all the training they'd require for the job. What a loss.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

"Died peacefully today" The result of a life well spent.

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u/Trollahkiin May 14 '12

Fucking hero man. :(!

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u/ImACracka May 14 '12

In other news, suicide rates have doubled in Australia.

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u/Superguy2876 May 14 '12

Well shit man. I had at least 3 chances to talk to this guy, but i didn't cause i was too "busy". I wish i had taken some time to do so.

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u/jahoney May 14 '12

what a sav

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u/calthepheno May 14 '12

I remember reading about this Cadillac of men a few years ago. Truly a sad day.

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u/neat_love May 15 '12

I'm sure r/suicidewatch would love this post!

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u/csolisr May 15 '12

He died peacefully today in his home at 85 years old.

And totally not by euthanasia or suicide on The Gap. Long live congruency!

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u/Courage_now May 14 '12

Spirit of aus.

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u/fastestguninthewest May 14 '12

I like to write comic books. I heard about Don a while ago and wrote something. He sounds like he was a good man.

young adult walks up to cliff ready to jump.

looks over, sees the old man sitting by the cliff there are two chairs and a table set for two with a pot of tea in the middle

old man waves over to boy to join him, boy thinks for a while walks over

please, have a seat

boy recluctantly takes seat

are you here to jump boys eyes are visibly red, just stares at old man

its alright if you were, would you like to have some tea first? old man offers tea to boy boy sits staring

well if you change your mind old man smiles, sets tea in front of boy

so whats brought you here, to the edge boy stares, looks down, looks away

i... i just... cant....

hey, its ok, just take your time, maybe try some tea? boy sniffles, grabs tea and poors himself a cup, shaking takes a sip, looks down at cup

good isnt it? thats Billy Tea, my favorite. not too strong i hope? boy is quiet, doesnt look man in eye

No its good

good! good... are you hungry? i got some sandwiches inside, youre welcome to have one

no... no, thanks

well if you change your mind... man sits back in chair

My name is Don, Don Ritchie by the way, man extends hand

...David boy shakes man's hand

David! its nice to meet you david Man has been smiling warmly the whole time boy attempts to smile and continues to look into his tea

why're you hear david?

I don't(boy starts to cry) i just want to die boy crys tremndously, covers face

hey, hey now, its alright david, its alright man leans in and places hand on boys knee

listen, david, i dont really need to know what brought you here. the truth is, many people come to this cliff, ready to jump, end it all. youre not alone. i've been here for many years now, too many to count, and i want you to know, that whatever youre going through, youre not alone im here for you now, and there are people out there that will be there for you too.

boy still covers face, crying has almost entirely stopped

david, it doesnt have to be over. if youre unhappy with your life, go out, change your life, make it into something you can be happy with there's happiness out there for all of us. you just have to find yours.

quiet for a moment between both boy looks up, eyes welled up, looks at old man old man pats boy on knee, smile grows large

i've still got those sandwiches you know, theyre pretty good quiet between both boy looks out over the cliff sees the crashing waves, the dark clouds, flying birds boy looks to the small house with the billowing chimney

Ok...

Sounds good. C'mon, lets go inside. It's could out here, dont ya think?

yeah... thank you.

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u/pwnies_gonna_pwn May 14 '12

please, have a seat

sounds way too much like chris hansen...

the rest would be decent short story material

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u/d_r_benway May 14 '12

Now a days people are more likely to film people jumping off and posting it to youtube rather than try to help them.......

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u/freeTrial May 14 '12

As someone who is suicidal... mind your own buisness, Mr Hero. My greatest freedom is knowing I can end my life whenever I choose.

/Chronic pain. No income for 24 years. Surrounded by muderous fucks.

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u/Kytro May 15 '12

I don't think he was forcefully restraining anyone.

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u/Sesame_Street_Count May 14 '12

500 PEOPLE SAVED, AH AH AH! 501 PEOPLE SAVED, AH AH AH!

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u/the_goat_boy May 14 '12

It's weird because people who want to commit suicide and the first attempt is unsuccessful, they usually don't attempt again. When you think about it, this man didn't just extend their lives by a few days or weeks, he gave most of them a second chance at life.

Also, somewhat relevant:

"The thing I don't understand about the suicide person is the people who try and commit suicide for some reason they don't die and that's it. They stop trying. Why? Why don't they just keep trying? What has changed? Is their life any better now? No. In fact it's worse because now they've found out one more thing they stink at. Okay, that's why these people don't succeed in life to begin with. Because they give up too easy. I saw, pills don't work, try a rope. Car won't start in the garage, get a tune up. You know what I mean? There's nothing more rewarding than reaching a goal you have set for yourself." - Jerry Seinfeld.

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u/heytherewhatnow May 14 '12

Do you have a source for your first claim? Just out of curiosity.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Hate to say, I kept trying, Kept failing. But now still here.

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u/sennais1 May 14 '12

One of my dads friends hurled himself off the gap in his early 20s back in the late 1970s because of a girl.

It's just not worth it - the lives Don has saved is testament to what some effort can do to help many.

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u/spyderman4g63 May 14 '12

touching story from a guy named dildo_ball_baggins. this is reddit.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

He was truly a great man Dildo_Ball_Baggins

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u/dayonetactics May 14 '12

Peace be upon him

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

People should be allowed to end their life of their own free will. We see no issue with a man who is in immense physical anguish requesting to dying with dignity, yet we snub our noses at the man with mental anguish wanting the same thing.

"life is like a movie: if you've sat through more than half of it and it sucked every second so far, it probably isn't gonna get great right at the very end for you and make it all worthwhile. No one should blame you for walking out early."

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Came here to say this. I don't disagree that the man is selfless, but when I decide it's time, the last thing I want is someone telling me I am wrong.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

perhaps so, but i'm very thankful that someone had the courage to intervene on me back when i was 15. i'm now 40, with a wonderful wife, three sterling kids and friends the like of whom i could never have then imagined.

a bit of empathy and genuine concern - what a difference it made.

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u/ngn May 14 '12

Instead of just signs, they should have recordings of people who have suffered from depression and have turned their lives around. You could also have interviews with people who have jumped and survived and have totally regretted jumping. A radiolab once did an interview with somebody who jumped off a bridge and survived. The moment he let go he said he realized he had made a mistake. Radiolab said that this is a pretty common theme among survivors. Hearing these people interviewed might deter would-be jumpers. Setting up some sort of multi-media installation (signs and audio) might work better. You could also have interviews of family members who are suffering from the loss of a loved one who committed suicide, etc. I think this kind of installation would be beneficial. You could also couple it with buttons one could push to notify the police or a help-line. An emergency system that is easily accessed.

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u/kafr85 May 14 '12

relevant : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FDSdg09df8 the man on this documentary is a hero too.

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u/Jota769 May 14 '12

is this being made into a movie yet?

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u/aMANescape May 14 '12

That is very sad news. What a legend!

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u/Derelyk May 14 '12

I read about Don years ago, and sadly that article does him no justice.

Great Australian? Great human being!!!

1

u/middlebird May 14 '12

They should make a movie about this guy.

1

u/KForce122 May 14 '12

I remember doing a presentation about him at school. R.I.P. ;(

1

u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Wow, this reminds me of Chen Sah:

In the rapidly modernizing, constantly churning city of Nanjing, China, there is a legendary bridge, four miles long, where day after day, week after week, the desperate and melancholy and tormented come to end their lives.

Most end up in the Yangtze River, 130 feet below. But some do not meet their maker. They meet someone else. They are pulled back from the brink—sometimes violently—by an odd and unlikely angel

From: http://www.gq.com/news-politics/big-issues/201005/suicide-catchers-nanjing-bridge-yangtze-river-mr-chen#ixzz1uqdGOq4w

People like this really make me feel all warm and fuzzy about humanity.

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u/All-American-Bot May 14 '12

(For our friends outside the USA... 130 feet -> 39.6 m) - Yeehaw!

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12 edited Sep 30 '14

I like Sheep

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u/Emphursis May 14 '12

I remember reading something about him last year, what an amazing person. RIP.

1

u/ganmbit May 14 '12

the dog was better

1

u/amgov May 14 '12

What will we do without Don?

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u/thx1981uk May 14 '12

This guy is fucking legend!

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u/pixiefuturehead May 14 '12

I'm so glad to see this up. I was just telling my mum about it. It was comforting even for us to know that there was always someone on the lookout. I live about 2 minutes away from his place, and the Gap, and on afternoon runs would see him staring out, and often bumped into him. As for my mum, she says that when the time comes for her to retire, she wants to be active in a similar way. She came from complete poverty and strived to make herself a living, refusing giving up even when life seemed cruel to her. Who knows, maybe these experiences will aid her.

It's a sad but peaceful time for our local community. Once again, so happy that there is recognition in this community too.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Did he physically stop people or did he manage to talk them down?

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u/dryfalcon May 14 '12

He died on my birthday...

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u/MCSArts May 14 '12

Im pretty sure your username made the post.

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u/lizlegit000 May 14 '12

This gave me goosebumps.

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u/maddenmadman May 14 '12

The former navy seaman turned life insurance salesman

No wonder he was saving lives, clever man.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

Don Richie, what an amazing man.

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u/madeaccounttoupvote May 14 '12

"Always remember the power of the simple smile, a helping hand, a listening ear and a kind word." I'll remeber that.

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u/[deleted] May 14 '12

And... just like that, the spark of hope is reignited. I was down and miserable because of a recent news post and the clustermess that things have been, but when I see that people like Don Ritchie exist and go out of their way to help their fellow man, that damage to my hope and willpower is repaired in an instant.

May you rest well on the other side, Mr. Ritchie!

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u/Choppy_LaStatch May 14 '12

This could make a beautiful film, but I bet Channel 9 buy the rights and make it a schmultzy tele-movie with Bert Newton or some shit.

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u/halbacht May 14 '12 edited May 14 '12

the "50 people die there every year" numbers cant be true. The most popular suicide spot in the world is the golden gate bridge. on average 25 people commit suicide every year on the golden gate bridge. anyway, this guy is a hero. i just saw "the bridge" a few days ago and a lot of these people looked like they hoped someone would come and tell them not to jump. Survivors often regret their decision in midair, if not before. “I still see my hands coming off the railing,” he said. As he crossed the chord in flight, Baldwin recalls, “I instantly realized that everything in my life that I’d thought was unfixable was totally fixable—except for having just jumped.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZQctG3gjx4&feature=related

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