HURRICANE, Utah — A tragic hotspot for suicide in southern Utah has drawn the attention of both local teenagers and city leaders, leading to calls for immediate safety improvements at the Hurricane La Verkin Bridge. The bridge, which has long been associated with heartbreaking losses, has prompted a petition from two teenagers advocating for the installation of barriers, signage, and access to crisis resources. The petition has already garnered over 1,600 signatures, bringing the issue into the spotlight and prompting action from local officials.
Hurricane Mayor Nanette Billings confirmed that efforts to add safety measures have been in the works for over a year, with plans to install a wrought iron fence at the bridge now in the engineering phase. Construction is expected to begin in August. The goal, according to Mayor Billings, is to make it more difficult for individuals in distress to take drastic action while providing an opportunity for intervention and support.
“The risk is real,” said Billings. “There’s too much in Utah, especially around here. We’ve lost a lot of lives to suicide.” The mayor emphasized that even small changes could make a significant difference in preventing future tragedies.
A History of Tragedy
The call for improvements comes as part of a broader discussion on mental health in the region. White, one of the teenagers behind the petition, recalled hearing about the tragic history of the bridge from a young age. “I remember when I was little, my dad told me about how someone was at the bridge, a mom. I think that was the time I realized what suicide was and what danger that bridge was,” White said.
For many residents, the bridge has become a symbol of the mental health crisis in southern Utah, where suicide rates consistently surpass national averages. From 2021 to 2023, the state reported a suicide rate of 20.93 per 100,000 people, significantly higher than the national rate of 15.6. Suicide is now the second leading cause of death among Utahns aged 10-16, 18-24, and 25-44.
Local residents, like Amber McNeil, who has experienced the loss of a loved one to suicide, echoed the teenagers’ concerns. “This bridge has been a place of base jumping — and also suicides,” she said. McNeil emphasized the need for more accessible resources, such as hotlines and emergency phones, which could provide immediate support to individuals in crisis.
The Role of Bullying and Mental Health Awareness
In addition to addressing the physical dangers at the bridge, the teenagers behind the petition are also advocating for broader mental health awareness, particularly among young people. White noted that bullying in schools plays a significant role in why many students feel isolated and turn to the bridge as a way out.
“People will bully you over anything — your hair, your makeup, your clothes,” White said. “They don’t realize how deeply it can affect someone.” The impact of bullying, combined with limited access to mental health resources, contributes to a growing mental health crisis in the community.
Mayor Billings highlighted the importance of education and family support in addressing the underlying issues. “Part of the challenge is that sometimes people don’t know how to help,” she said. “When we ask someone, ‘Are you considering committing suicide,’ that’s not going to make them think of committing suicide. It’s going to help them know that you love them.”
The city has been working to create a holistic approach to mental health, with initiatives in schools and within families to foster better communication and support. While the pace of change has been slow, Billings stressed that it’s essential to continue working on long-term solutions.
Community Support and Calls for Change
The petition for safety measures at the Hurricane La Verkin Bridge is part of a larger movement in the community to provide more healthy outlets and support systems for local youth. Many residents, like McNeil, believe that creating spaces for young people to gather and support each other is vital for preventing further tragedies. “We need places where kids can get together and be supportive to one another — music venues, skate parks, something positive,” McNeil said.
The ongoing efforts to improve safety at the bridge reflect a broader push for mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and community engagement. Mayor Billings summed up the community’s approach, saying, “We can’t fix everything, but we can make it less convenient or easy. Even just creating a pause — giving someone a little more time to get help — can make a difference.”
For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, resources are available. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a 24/7 service, and the SafeUT app provides access to licensed counselors. Community leaders are urging everyone to stay vigilant and compassionate, as awareness and support remain key to preventing further loss.