Kevin Berthia wanted to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge on March 11, 2005. The turmoil in his life seemed too much to bear, and he was ready to end it all. Just as he jumped, he heard a shout and grabbed hold of the railing before plummeting to what would probably have been his death. Standing on a 4-inch beam, holding the rail, Kevin Berthia spent the next 92 minutes talking with Kevin Briggs.
California Highway Patrolman Kevin Briggs was crossing the bridge when he happened upon the scene. His shout is what made Kevin Berthia have second thoughts. Briggs spoke with Berthia for 92 minutes that day before Berthia decided to live. Their conversation is now the title and topic of a documentary, “92 Minutes.” The two did not interact again for the next eight years. After that fateful day, both began individual crusades.
Kevin Briggs is now known as the “Guardian of the Golden Gate” and speaks about suicide prevention, mental health, and how compassion saves lives. He has talked more than 200 jumpers off the infamous bridge. Kevin Berthia founded the Kevin Berthia Foundation. He also speaks about suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Both men have become strong advocates for mental health. The two began working together in 2013, eight years after Kevin Briggs helped Kevin Berthia find the will to live. The pair are now affectionately referred to as “The Two Kevins.”
92 Minutes — From Death Wish To Life Goals
The Golden Gate Bridge is 220 feet above the icy water of the Golden Gate Strait, which connects San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Ocean. When a person jumps from the bridge, they plummet 220 feet down at 75 miles per hour. Most jumpers do not survive. Since it was built in 1937, around 1,800 people have made the jump, but there are only 39 known survivors.
Had Kevin Briggs not shouted at that exact moment, Kevin Berthia would have been no more than a statistic. But he did shout, and Kevin Berthia listened — for 92 minutes. He regained the will to live. Since that moment in time, the lives of both men have changed. Kevin Briggs retired from the highway patrol. Kevin Berthia discovered his purpose. They are working together to help people overcome the overwhelming circumstances of life that lead to thoughts of suicide. They are making a difference.
The documentary chronicling their story, “92 Minutes,” is currently in production. If you wish to contribute to the group making the film, they are accepting donations. This story will become a strong base for building more vital programs for suicide awareness and prevention.
There is a nationwide Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Dial 988 on any cell phone to reach help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The crisis line offers “free and confidential support for people in distress.” Please share the story of the two Kevins. You never know who might need it.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here and here.
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