It's the story that was echoed through the University of Dayton campus come Tuesday February 8th.
The survival story unlike anyone else.
The story of how Kevin Hines survived a fall that killed 100% of those that preceded him, and how he changed that number to 99%.
The story of hope. The story of change. The story of life.
"Are You Ok?" "Is Something Wrong?" "Can I Help You?"
Those words are what began an hour long conversation with over one thousand University of Dayton Students on Monday February 7th.
Kevin Hines is a survivor of suicide, after jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge on September 25th, 2000. Now, 22-years later Hines is telling his story. In what some might call the ninth wonder of the world quickly became Hines suicide plan on September 24th. Why? Because the bridge is what some consider "an easy access to lethal means."
"I had gotten really good at one thing, silencing my pain." Hines recalled as he began telling the story of his life growing up and what lead up to his decision in 2000. Hines spoke on how he grew up on junk food and "because of the poisonous foods I had been fed, I was mentally ill from the beginning."
Hines also recalled the loss of his brother. The Hines brothers were placed in foster care around the age of 9 months and were bounced around different house holds until they both got bronchitis, and shortly after that his brother died. At nine months old, he was adopted by Patrick and Debbie Hines. Which became the greatest house hold Hines was apart of.
The day of Hines suicide attempt, Hines dad came into his room and told Hines to come to work with him. Hines declined. He said they could go to the movies or the beach. Hines responded by telling his dad he had to go to city college because he had to take a math test. A math test.
Hines dad decided to drive Hines to school, where Hines then dropped nine of his 12-and-a-half credits. He then went to his only class left, English.
Hines recalled that there weren't protocols in place at the time for students who come in and drop most of their credits, now, people will ask questions. Hines also joked that he kept his English course because the teacher was cute.
He left class early, got on a train, then a bus, and headed for the Golden Gate Bridge. On the bus, Hines had a mental breakdown. He was in the most pain he had ever been, and the hundred people on that bus just stared at him, nobody asked if Hines was ok.
Hines then recalled falling 25 stories, 250 feet, at 40 MPH, in 4 seconds falling into the water that ultimately missed severing his spinal cord by 2 millimeters. Hines also mentioned that the moment he stepped off the bridge "all I wanted to do was live when my brain wanted to kill me." It was in that moment that Hines began praying, and he noticed suddenly he was bobbing up above the water. He later found out it was a seal keeping him alive, "call it what you want, that's my miracle."
Hines is now 1 of 36 to survive the fall from the Golden Gate Bridge. He is the only one to regain full physical mobility. Hine's also wrote the book, "Cracked Not Broken: Surviving and Thriving After a Suicide Attempt." which was released in 2013. Hines then was a part of the 2018 documentary "Suicide The Ripple Effect Movie," the 2006 film "The Bridge."
Hine's finished his conversation with Dayton students by answering questions and mentioning that a net is being added to The Golden Gate Bridge. The net began construction in 2018 and is expected to finish construction in 2023. The net is known as The Suicide Deterrent System, also known as the Safety Net, and is being constructed to keep people from jumping off the bridge. The net will be built 20 feet below the sidewalk and will extend 20 feet from the bridge.
Hines also mentioned how he has chronic suicidal thoughts, but that "I save[] my life because I know how to" and that the "brain is the single most powerful organ you wield." Hines mentioned that when he has those thoughts he stops whoever is near him and says "I Need Help Now." Hines also will go to a hospital knowing that "I need to be here or I won't be here." Hines sparked quite a conversation amongst Dayton students, with many taking in his powerful story and fully recognizing just how powerful the mind can truly be.
If you need help, please consider these sources:
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. You can call 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or chat.
Crisis Text Line Text Line is free, 24/7 support for those in crisis. Text 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. Crisis Text Line trains volunteers to support people in crisis. With over 79 million messages processed to date, they are growing quickly, but so is the need.
Veterans Crisis Line The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. The caring, qualified responders at the Veterans Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping veterans of all ages and circumstances; many of the responders are veterans themselves. If you’re a veteran in crisis or concerned about one, there are caring, qualified VA responders standing by to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1 or text 838255.
Article Sources:
Suicide Prevention Services
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