Near tragedy yesterday

13 years ago

The neighbor's son across the street hung himself in the tree in their front yard.He's in his 40's,has some mental problems and is always causing some kind of drama over there.We were sitting in the living room and DD happened to glance over there and saw a woman messing with him.Thought they were having some kind of altercation then realized she was trying to get him down.DD and DH ran across the street,then DD ran back over here for a knife,a very dull knife I might add,and cut the rope.He was out and wasn't breathing.DH did chest compressions and he started breathing again.

DD had seen him messing with something in the tree 20 minutes or so earlier but thought he was hanging more Halloween decorations.The lady who found him was a family friend and had just happend to come by and saw him.If she hadn't he would be dead.His mom had locked herself in the house earlier because he was drinking and she is afraid of him when he is drinking.She just lost her husband of 50+ years a few months ago and the drama has been worse since he passed.I just hope this will get him the help he needs or take him out of her house.

Please send up some prayers for this family.They really need it.

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Comments (15)

lavon46
13 years ago
Oh my gosh, what a scarey story....thank goodness all of you were there to help. His poor mother, my heart goes out to her. and for it all to happen right in front of you, thats just a miracle he didnt die.
My very best girlfriends son hung himself years ago, and it forever changed her life. She has never gotten over it.
hgl_gaylemarie
13 years ago
My goodness. I'd definately keep a eye on him.
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Add me to the list. How terrible for both those young folks. I can't imagine what he's going through losing so many so soon. I guess I grew up conditioned to death. From my toddler days we were attending relatives funerals right and left it seemed. A neighbor and friend of my sister was kidnapped and murdered and her death is still unsolved. Lost a good friend when I was in Jr. High. He was hit by a car crossing a busy street. His death prompted a pedestrian bridge to be built there. Shortly after graduating a good friend decided to take up rock climbing and he fell to his death. My mother's illness and death when I was 21 just kind of reinforce the numbness. In so many ways I like to think I'm stronger for experiencing it and being "numbed" by it. I hope these guys gain some strength from their loss, rather that only pain. My best to all. Those suicides are sad too. Nobody can really know the reason a person takes their own life. Obviously they feel it was the thing to do. There's a variety of reasons but it's sad how it has to impact the people around them. My best to their families and friends too. I really wish that they'd require people to take some driving instruction on handling adverse conditions. We hear the talk on the news to slow down but so many just are in such a hurry they won't. And I know how it is with kids, we all think we're invincible. My uncle always said he thought the best thing to happen was when his kids got into a minor car accident shortly after starting to drive. He said they realized that yes, it CAN happen to them. Nobody wishes bad on them, as he didn't either but he said they were much more careful after that. I'm not sure if that's the best, but if we can get people to slow down, drive defensively and leave space between vehicles it would help. And if we all take a lesson and stay off the roads when it's bad, it'd help. So many trips we make, really are not necessary. I really try to avoid the roads now in bad weather and am glad I do. Boy I got off topic and hope it's not misinterpreted as blaming or anything. Just some musings from a fella. Again, it's so sad that the young have to die like that and also sad for those it impacts. My best to them and all of you. Please drive cautiously and pass on the importance of careful driving before we put the keys into a true weapon of mass destruction. In a heartbeat we can easily destroy lives and that's separate from killing people. These things do affect others. Oh, and in fairness a few things should be said. First, for the most part road crews do a good job on the roads. They try to pre-treat, plow, post-treat and more. They're not perfect and can't always deal with the conditions. Salt is ineffective when it gets to about 10 or colder. Sand, ashes and the like only give a modicum of traction so there's not a lot they can do in those conditions. When tragedies happen, we all look for someone to blame. Let's blame the right party when there's someone to blame, not just look for a scapegoat, OK? Sadly, sometimes things just happen that shouldn't. There's no reason. Tests a person's faith if so equipped. People will ask why when there's no good answer. But nevertheless it's something we all need to accept as a sad part of life. Sorry for being so long winded! Stay safe and comforted.
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Nita__AZ
13 years ago
Wow Lilly, that is so scary. Lucky that you were home and your DD and DH could get to him in time to save his life. I would keep an eye on him too since he just might try to do something again.

I feel bad for his mother having to deal with all this right after her husband died. Prayers going out to them.
joyfulguy
13 years ago
What a difficult bind the both of them are in!

I hope that the son can get some things straightened out in his life, and that things can become more peaceful for his mother.

Sending good thoughts and offering some prayers for better times for both of them.

What a complicated business life can be, at times!

ole joyful
moonie_57 (8 NC)
13 years ago
Geez, what a horrible thing! I'm guessing the guy was hospitalized? Wonder how long they hold someone that has attempted suicide. Sure hope he gets the help he needs.

God bless your DH and DD and the woman that found him.

Sending prayers for both mother and son.
wifetojoeiii
13 years ago
OMG - I couldn't help but see this post. My sister's friend's son recently committed suicide - so very incredibly sad. Thank goodness there were people around. Prayers are being said and support all around. We all need a hug, right?
lilliepad
Original Author
13 years ago
Several years ago he was beaten badly and left for dead.He was in the hospital for several months before they knew where he was.He suffered brain damage from that.When we first moved here he would walk down the street talking to himself and even threatened to kill all of us because he said we called cops on him one day when he was fighting with his brother in the front yard.We found out after that what the situation was with him and were told not to worry about his threats.However,when he drinks he gets really bad and as I said his mom is scared enough of him to lock herself in the house when he is going off.There is always a lot of drama with him when there's a family get together or anything like that.His mom said he has been threatening to kill himself for several days but she wasn't too worried because he says it all the time and never does anything.I can imagine how she would have felt if he had succeeded yesterday.It is hard enough to lose one of your children from disease or accident but it seems from anyone I have talked to that lost someone to suicide,it is so much harder to cope with.I really feel sorry for her.She is such a sweet lady and they are good people.I think they can only hold someone for 72 hours for observation and since he is of legal age they can't hold him longer without his consent.I just wish there was something that could be done to force him out of her house at least but I don't see anything like that happening.He has been arrested a few times since we have lived here,spent some time in jail but always comes back to mom's house.
I appreciate everyone keeping this family in their prayers.I know the mom would appreciate it.
janie_ga
13 years ago
Lilliepad, maybe someone needs to make a report to adult protective services. They might be able to help her protect herself. Also, battered women's groups will often offer advise/support in this type of situation. It just has to be a domestic situation- not just husband/wife.
susanjf_gw
13 years ago
wonder if he caused himself more brain trauma? poor mom..

you guys are great neighbors...(((to you, too!)))
lilliepad
Original Author
13 years ago
Janie-He has had restraining orders on him and it doesn't change anything.I think mom kind of feels sorry for him to a point then things just go back as they were.
I'm wondering the same thing Susan.He was unconscious for several minutes and the way the rope was tied around his neck and the way he was hanging I think had probably cut off the circulation to his brain.Maybe if there is more damage they can definitely get some help for him.I guess time will tell.
socks
13 years ago
Your husband and daughter saved his life. They must be upset though to have been part of this tragic event.
lilliepad
Original Author
13 years ago
Yes,it was upseting but I don't really think either one of them has realized that they actually saved his life!
lilliepad
Original Author
13 years ago
Well,guess it's back to the usual.Just saw him come out of the house and walk down the street! He either walks or rides a bicycle wherever he goes.I think he must have sold his bike because he is walking again. I guess they didn't even think the full 72 hours of observation was necessary.Wonder how long before he pulls something again!
joyfulguy
13 years ago
May God grant strength, wisdom and courage to his mother through this difficult time.

olw joyful
patti43
13 years ago
Couldn't they have Baker Acted him? That guy definitely needs help and I can't believe he's just walking around today. If he's threatening his mother, neighbors and himself he shouldn't be running around free. Sorry but that's MHO!

Near tragedy yesterday

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