UPDATE: Man Thought to Have Committed Suicide ID'ed; Victim's Friends Say Fall Was Likely Accidental
- Details
- By Allison Jean Eaton
- | Thursday, 09 June 2011 11:05
Police have much of the 100 block of North Pine Avenue closed off to the public Wednesday as they investigate the apparent suicide of an unidentified man who fell to his death from the First National Bank of Long Beach Building. This photo was taken more than an hour following the incident, which happened just before 12:20 p.m. The body, covered in a white sheet, still lies on the sidewalk adjacent to the valet kiosk (red umbrella) in front of L'Opera restaurant.
UPDATE Thursday, June 9, 4:34pm | Authorities said they have identified a man who either purposefully jumped or accidentally fell to his death Wednesday from a downtown Long Beach building on Pine Avenue.
The county coroner's office said Thursday that the man has been identified as Dwayne Russell Browning, 46, of Long Beach.
While police are still classifying the incident as a probable suicide as they continue their probe, the Press-Telegram is reporting that Russell's death may have been accidental.
Several of Russell's friends reportedly told the PT that Russell was an amateur photographer who often took pictures of the city's skyline atop various multi-level buildings in the area.
UPDATE Wednesday, June 8, 6:01pm | It is not yet known whether a man who fell to his death from a Pine Avenue building in an apparent suicide Wednesday jumped from the top of the structure or from a window.
The First National Bank of Long Beach Building, also known as the Metropolitan Building or Enloe Building, sits on the northwest corner of North Pine Avenue and West First Street, stretching from 101 to 125 N. Pine Ave.
The six-story structure features commercial office space on the second through sixth floors, while the first is occupied by businesses including L'Opera restaurant, Alegria Cocina Latina and the Beach Jewelry Center.
The man's body struck the ground near the sidewalk adjacent to the steps leading into L'Opera about 20 minutes into the afternoon lunch hour.
Police reportedly said there was no evidence of foul play at the scene. The man was described as in his 40s, though a witness who stood just feet away from where the man's body landed told the Press-Telegram the man appeared to be in his 50s.
Once the coroner identifies the man, his next of kin must be notified before his identifying information can be released to the public.
Wednesday, June 8, 2:01pm | A still unidentified man leapt to his death in an apparent suicide Wednesday afternoon from atop a building in downtown Long Beach, authorities said.
The incident happened in the 100 block of North Pine Avenue at about 12:20 p.m. during the busy downtown Long Beach lunch hour, according to information provided by Long Beach Police Department spokeswoman Lisa Massacani.
Police have yet to confirm the man's identity but did say he appeared to be in his 40s.
The Press-Telegram is reporting that his body landed near the sidewalk adjacent to L'Opera restaurant.
Witnesses at the scene reportedly said they did not see the man jump, but they did hear a scream before hearing the distinct sound of his body hitting the pavement.
Additional information is forthcoming.
When you're done pouting, we'll still be here.
As far as the photo cutline is concerned, it states nothing but the facts -- that the block is closed off to the public, that the photo was taken more than an hour following the incident, that the incident was an apparent suicide and that the man's body was still lying on the sidewalk covered by a white sheet--there is nothing hyped about any of this.
I also do not see what is sensational about the use of "slammed" in describing the moment the man's body came into contact with the ground. In one media report, witnesses reportedly said they initially thought what they heard was an auto accident. I only used "slammed" because I had already used the phrase "hitting the pavement" and wanted to change it up a bit in my update.
Regardless of this last point, however, I will rephrase this part of the story and hope that everyone will simmer down a bit.
Suicide is tough enough for those family members and friends left behind - the grief, the self-blame, the public shame and sometimes blame brings forth so much pain - much different pain than if the person who perished had died from natural causes or an accident.
For me, reading about other suicides still brings back my sad
memories and I feel bad for those who not only lost loved ones - but now have to read about it in less than gentle terms.
I find it difficult to "simmer down" and I wonder if journalists would take a more compassionate tone had they lost friends/family members to suicide. Walk a mile in my shoes - size 9 1/2
Yep, I do need to POST a correction. My father's sucide was indeed 1975 - not 1970. Well, the error is in my favor making me younger than you all originally thought. I'm did not mean to imply that Allison's story was necessarily ungentle - I was just giving my opinion on the subject of suicide and media in general.
I suppose I'm just a bit sensitive when it comes to the topic at hand - it hits SO close to home.
Yes @ why not. I agree, that sound would be interesting. Glad nobody else was hurt from the body coming down.
I do find the term "apparent suicide" to be slightly irresponsible.
I'm not trying to detract from the gravity of this incident, but reporting something as an "apparent" truth before the investigation has concluded is misleading to readers.
Thank you.
What a sorry state when a reporter thinks that that picture is a synonym for "news".
And "slammed" was and still is incredibly inappropriate and sensationalistic, especially in light of unfolding developments. One has to think ahead in situations like this when all the facts are not known so as not to embarrass yourself, even when you don't think you are. You learn that with experience.