SUICIDE IN THE SUBWAY: PUBLICLY WITNESSED ATTEMPTS OF 50 CASES

This study investigates anamnestic, demographic, and outcome data on 50 individuals who attempted suicide in the Boston subway pits. Four distinct types of life-threatening behaviors are noted: 1) jumping in front of an approaching train: 32 cases; 2) lying across the rails as the train approaches: 6 cases; 3) touching the electrified rail after the train has departed: 5 cases; and 4) wandering in the pit area when no train is present: 7 cases. The Jumpers account for most of this series' deaths (16 out of 17) and severe injuries (9 out of 12). The pit attempters as a group are highly disturbed, a majority having had previous psychiatric hospitalizations. Delusions, when they occur, often have themes of violence or damage. Previous suicide attempts are common. Some of those attempts attracted wide public attention. The publicity of the pit attempt has special meanings for certain cases: in expressing rage and indignation or in announcing grievances. In contrast to the popular model of suicide as a plea for help, however, many of the pit cases are trying to repudiate that help. Follow-up of survivors demonstrates that this group has a high risk of subsequently attempting suicide.