NYC tourist attraction The Vessel has been temporarily closed after several suicides have taken place at the site.
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After the attraction opened last year, three people have jumped off of the towering structure as of Monday. Operators said in a statement that they have closed the 150-foot structure to the public on Wednesday and will consult with suicide prevention experts to lessen the potential for more suicides.
Earlier this week, 21-year-old Franklin Washington of San Francisco jumped to his death. Weeks prior, 24-year-old Yocheved Gourarie who scheduled her suicide note on Instagram also ended her life after jumping from the structure on Dec.21. In Feb.2019, a 19-year-old New Jersey man was the first to end his life at the Vessel.
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An employee told the New York Times that they witnessed Washington and Gourarie’s suicides while on duty. He says he couldn’t sleep since then but couldn’t comment due to his employment. Board members within the Hudson Yards community also expressed their concerns regarding the waist-length bars and operators should increase the height.
If you or someone you know has thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255