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Man dies after shooting himself outside combined law enforcement facility in Steamboat

The Combined Law Enforcement Facility in west Steamboat Springs.
Derek Maiolo/Steamboat Pilot & Today archive

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — A man died after shooting himself outside the combined law enforcement facility in Steamboat Springs on Friday in what officials are calling an apparent suicide.

At 3:12 p.m. Friday, Steamboat Springs Fire Rescue firefighters were called to assist a gunshot victim, according to call records.

In a news release, the Steamboat Springs Police Department said the victim was a man in his 70s who drove up to the building before pulling out a firearm and shooting himself. He was taken to the hospital where he died from his injuries.



Detectives are investigating the incident, according to the release. No further information is available at this time.

“This appears to be an isolated incident, and no other individuals were harmed or threats received,” Police Chief Cory Christensen said in the release. “On behalf of the department, our thoughts are with this individual’s family during this difficult time.”



Editor’s note: It is rare for the Steamboat Pilot & Today to report on suicides except in cases when the suicide involves a public person, occurs in a public place or involves public resources. Since this man’s death occurred outside the county and city’s combined law enforcement facility, we chose to report on his death. Suicide is a public health issue, and it is our intention to raise awareness in a responsible manner and encourage those who are at risk to seek help. 

To reach Derek Maiolo, call 970-871-4247, email dmaiolo@SteamboatPilot.com or follow him on Twitter @derek_maiolo.

Resources

If you or a loved one is thinking about suicide, consider these actions.

  • Don’t leave the person alone.
  • Remove items that could be used in a suicide attempt, such as firearms, sharp objects, drugs and alcohol.
  • Seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
  • If someone has a made an attempt, immediately take the person to an emergency room. If the threat to his or her life does not seem so immediate, consider talking to a crisis line first.

For more information, contact the following resources:

Mind Springs Health
Crisis line: 888-207-4004
Steamboat Springs office: 970-879-2141

Reaching Everyone Preventing Suicide (REPS)
Crisis line: 970-846-8182
Office: 970-819-2232

HEARTBEAT, Steamboat Springs
970-871-0682

Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention
303-692-2539

Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado
Crisis line: 844-493-8255 or text “TALK” to 38255
Office: 720-934-2387

 


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