10/11/2026
NEW HAMPSHIRE & MAINE — HOW MANY MORE LIVES MUST BE LOST BEFORE ACTION IS TAKEN?
An Open Letter to the State of New Hampshire, Governor Kelly Ayotte, the City Hall Portsmouth NH, NH Department of Transportation and State and Local Officials.
On May 12, 2025, I launched a petition through Change.org calling for the installation of su***de prevention safety nets or protective barriers on the Piscataqua River Bridge and Sarah Mildred Long Bridge.
My goal was simple: Prevent future tragedies, protect those experiencing a mental health crisis, and save lives.
It has now been nearly a year and a half since that petition was published.
Since then, according to the incidents I have been made aware of, there have been more than 10 additional deaths involving jumps from the bridges, along with multiple other attempts.
These are not just statistics. These are human beings. They are sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, friends, coworkers, and members of our communities.
Every single one of these lives mattered.
Since launching the petition, I have received heartbreaking messages from people directly affected by these tragedies.
One supporter shared:
A family friend jumped and died from this bridge 2 weeks ago. His second attempt as he tried in Oct from this very bridge. Mental health is reckoning and even though he battled voices and was being treated (several years of constant psychiatric help), it was too much.
They went on to describe the impact these incidents have on passing motorists, children who witness emergencies, first responders, and people who are left wondering whether they could have done something differently.
This is the reality our communities continue to face.
Mental illness does not discriminate. Depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, trauma, and other mental health challenges affect people from every background. For someone experiencing an overwhelming crisis, even a brief opportunity for intervention can make a difference.
Research has shown that physical su***de prevention barriers at high-risk bridges can substantially reduce deaths at those locations.
Cities across the country, including San Francisco and New York City, have invested in physical barriers as part of their su***de prevention efforts.
Why shouldn't the communities of Portsmouth, Kittery, and the surrounding Seacoast receive that same level of protection?
I am publicly requesting that New Hampshire and Maine officials, transportation authorities, and local leaders work together to:
1. Conduct a formal safety assessment of the Piscataqua River Bridge and Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, specifically addressing su***de prevention.
2. Evaluate the installation of protective safety nets, fencing, or metal mesh barriers designed to prevent individuals from jumping.
3. Identify available state, federal, and transportation safety funding to support these improvements.
4. Work alongside mental health professionals, su***de prevention organizations, first responders, and families affected by these tragedies.
5. Provide the public with a transparent response and a realistic timeline for evaluating and implementing preventive measures.
I understand that projects involving major bridges require engineering studies, funding, coordination, and time.
But these challenges should not prevent meaningful discussions or progress.
We cannot bring back those who have already lost their lives. But we can work to prevent another family from receiving that devastating phone call.
To Governor Kelly Ayotte, New Hampshire state officials, Maine state officials, Portsmouth city leadership, and Kittery town leadership:
I am asking you to hear the families, listen to the community, review the evidence, and publicly address what can be done to make these bridges safer.
This petition was never about politics, publicity, or assigning blame.
It was started because I believe that when we recognize a preventable danger in our community, we have a responsibility to explore solutions.
Over a year has passed since I first raised this concern. I do not want another year to pass without meaningful progress.
To everyone reading this: Please share this message, support the petition, and help bring attention to an issue that affects our entire Seacoast community.
To the families who have lost someone, your loved ones have not been forgotten.
And to anyone currently struggling with their mental health: Your life matters. Help is available, and you deserve the opportunity to receive it.
Let's make the Piscataqua River crossings safer. Let's protect our communities. Let's work together to save lives.
SIGN & SHARE THE PETITION:
https://c.org/rWGDRPFYGJ
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for free, confidential support.
