The incident occurred during the afternoon of July 7 in the 600 block of Eldridge Avenue. Police say there is no threat to the neighborhood as a result of the incident.
By Matt Skoufalos | July 13, 2021
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline logo. Credit: NSPL.
A Collingswood man took his own life last week in an incident that drew a heavy response from local and county authorities.
Collingswood Police and EMS arrived on the 600 block of Eldridge Avenue last Wednesday afternoon, along with investigators from the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office and others, Collingswood Police Chief Kevin Carey confirmed.
The victim, a man in his 30s, was transported from the scene to a local hospital, where his death was confirmed, Carey said.
Pending final confirmation from the medical examiner, police are preliminarily ruling it a suicide.
“We investigate to make sure it is what it appears,” Carey said.
“The story the other occupant [of the home] gave matched what the incident looked like.”
Neighbors said the family, which moved in about a year ago, hasn’t interacted much with the rest of the block. But they also reported that frequent disturbances at the residence have drawn police to the home before, and Carey confirmed that officers have responded to multiple calls for service there in the past year.
The surviving family members were referred to the Volunteers of America Delaware Valley and the Victim Witness advocacy unit of the Camden County Prosecutor’s Office for services that might help them process the myriad issues that arise after such an event, Carey said.
Collingswood sustains two or three deaths by suicide annually, even if they aren’t always made public, the chief said. Last Wednesday’s occurrence drew considerably more attention on a block that seldom sees it, however, leaving neighbors with heavy questions.
“This was on a quiet little street, and there was a lot of activity at the house,” Carey said.
Carey also confirmed that the tragedy was confined to the household in which it occurred, and presented no broader threat to the neighborhood.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, there are several known risk factors and warning signs for suicide. Resources also are available for those in an emotional crisis.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). The service is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day.
