The city experienced its third suicide in recent weeks on Aug. 21 when a 34-year-old man took his own life while his wife slept. Police are still investigating the death, which occurred in the Senita subdivision.
Two suicides occurred earlier this month on Aug. 3 and Aug. 6; one victim was a local businessman, and the other was a young war veteran.
Suicide prevention in Maricopa has become a community concern. (See Help Available for those contemplating suicide)
This week the city of Maricopa issued the following information:
Many people are shocked to learn just how prevalent suicide is in our nation today. It is alarming to learn that more people die from suicides than from homicides in our country every year. It is now the 11th leading cause of death for all Americans, but suicide is the third cause of death for young people aged 15-24. According to the Federal Center for Disease Control, more teenagers and young adults died in 1999 from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke and chronic lung disease combined.
Suicide is a serious public mental health challenge. The good news is that suicides are preventable, if people know what to look for and when to speak up. To that end, the City of Maricopa is providing the following information as a resource if anyone needs assistance:
Arizona Suicide Prevention Coalition
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 866-205-5229
Website: www.azspc.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 800-273-TALK (8255)
National TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (4889)
Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org
Hopeline
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 800-SUICIDE
Website: www.hopeline.com
Teen Lifeline Crisis Resources
Toll-Free Crisis Hotline: 800-248-TEEN
Website: www.teenlifeline.org
Youth Suicide Prevention Program
Website:www.yspp.org
We encourage all residents to become familiar with the risks and warning signs of suicide. Speak up if you are troubled, and listen closely to loved ones who speak to you when they are in pain.
File photo
![[Namkeen Dhaba]](https://www.inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/439456716_377105198650519_7536248579664805896_n-218x150.jpg "Maricopa restaurateur makes Food Network connection")
![A merging lane sign sits on the side of State Route 347 northbound lanes during evening traffic on April 30, 2024. [Monica D. Spencer]](https://www.inmaricopa.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/spencer-043024-adot-merging-lanes-347-web-218x150.jpg "Merging lanes incite more 347 anger")
