Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Deterrent Commemoration Ceremony

Elected officials, community leaders, advocates, and public agencies came together this morning to commemorate the completion of the construction of the suicide deterrent system on the Golden Gate Bridge, also known as the net. The event recognized the years of advocacy and bold leadership that led to the completion of this life saving project.

"The Golden Gate Bridge is a source of immense pride to San Francisco - but for too many families in our community, the Bridge has also been a place of pain," Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi said. "With the completion of a suicide deterrent system for the Golden Gate Bridge, we are providing a critical second chance for troubled individuals. It was my privilege to join the commemoration ceremony today in memory of every person who was lost on this bridge and with urgency for those who we may spare from suffering."

Kymberlyrenee Gamboa lost her 18-year-old son Kyle to suicide on the Golden Gate Bridge in 2013. She and her husband have been strong advocates for a physical suicide deterrent. Kymberlyrenee said "After losing my son to the Golden Gate Bridge, seeing the completion of the Golden Gate Bridge suicide deterrent brings a profound sense of hope and healing in knowing that future families may be spared from enduring such a devastating loss."

The net is already working to save lives by reducing the number of suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge and deterring people from coming to the Bridge to harm themselves. The net is a proven design that keeps people from jumping, serves as a symbol of care and hope to despondent individuals, and offers people a second chance. The net was completed in early 2024.

The net draws inspiration from similar barriers erected to deter suicides on tall buildings and bridges around the world. The community-selected design was chosen for its proven effectiveness at reducing suicides and its minimalist aesthetic. The net consists of marine-grade stainless steel netting installed 20 feet below the sidewalks and extending out 20 feet over the water. Jumping into the net is designed to be painful and may result in significant injury.

Over the last 20 years, on average, there have been 30 confirmed suicides at the Golden Gate Bridge every year. In 2023, while the net was still under construction, there were 14 confirmed suicides, reducing the average number of suicides by more than half. In 2024, suicides and attempts have declined even further.

The total project cost, including construction and administration, is approximately $224 million and is funded through federal and state grants, Bridge tolls, Prop 63 monies, and individual and foundation donations. More information about the project can be found here.

A live stream of the ceremony has been posted at youtube.com/@goldengatedistrict.

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Media Contact:
Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz / Director of Public Affairs
Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District
[email protected] / 415-629-9999 (text is best)

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