Kevin Hines made a decision that would change his life forever on September 25, 2000 when he jumped off the Golden Gate Bridge. The skies were gray, with white fog hanging in the air as he looked down at the green waters below. The fall was equivalent to being struck by a car traveling at 75 miles per hour, and yet, during the 4-second fall, the feeling of depression left him, replaced by a survival urge.
Rescued from the water, Hines needed extensive medical care but survived. His rare testimony has taken him around the world, where he has met thousands of people who, like him, have experienced the instant regret that comes with suicide attempts. Unfortunately, many others have not had the same chance to choose life as him. “Recognizing that all the people that passed away might have wished they were still here… it’s a very troubling thing to think about,” he said.
The construction of the $217 million safety net for the Golden Gate Bridge began in 2018 and is nearing completion. It’s estimated that it will be the equivalent of seven football fields in length. The net is more than just a physical barrier; it is a symbol of hope and care for people who may be experiencing the worst day of their lives.
Mental health advocate Kevin Berthia, who was also saved from jumping off the bridge, believes that a safety net would have made a world of difference for him. The net is currently 80% built and is set to be completed in December, according to the bridge officials. And it won’t be just a temporary solution; a 1978 study found that more than 90% of those who were stopped from jumping off the bridge remained alive decades later.
While not everyone supported the idea of adding a net due to concerns about aesthetics, Hines believes that one human life is far more important than the aesthetics of the bridge. Thankfully, the safety net was approved in 2014 and is now nearing completion, with the goal of preventing further tragedies. “I’m so grateful that not one more beautiful person with loved ones, and family and friends who care for them is ever again, gonna die by their hands off of the Golden Gate Bridge,” Hines said. “I thank God every day I get to be alive to see it.”
