The Pasadena Star-News published a well-researched story about the historic and architecturally significant Colorado Street Bridge in Pasadena, Calif.
Not only is it known as a 1913 bridge that once carried Route 66, but also is notorious for being called Suicide Bridge. More than 150 people have died by jumping off the span.
One local legend about the bridge is that a worker fell into the cement during construction and co-workers were unable to remove his body from the mixture. The worker’s spirit, the legend goes, continues to haunt the bridge. […]
It was during the Great Depression that the Colorado Street Bridge earned the nickname “Suicide Bridge.” Dozens of men and women took their life at the site, according to historical records maintained at Pasadena Central Library. […]
In all, officials estimate that 79 people jumped to their deaths from the bridge in the early 1930s.
It still is a place where distraught people commit suicide. Two more were reported there last month.
Even so, it wouldn’t be easy to jump off the bridge. On top of a 4-foot railing, a steel gate brings the guard rail’s total height to about 8 feet. It would seem that it would be more effort to commit suicide from the Colorado Street Bridge than to seek professional help.
The Colorado Street Bridge isn’t the only span that became a suicide magnet. The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has seen more than 1,200 since the bridge opened in 1937.
With one exception (it is in fact the Arroyo Seco that flows under the Suicide Bridge, not the Los Angeles River) this is a pretty darn good article about the history of the bridge. One thing that should be mentioned, though, is that the bridge was saved by an organization called Pasadena Heritage that worked tirelessly to prevent the bridge’s destruction following the Loma Prieta earthquake.
My mother, Jeannette Louise Pykkonen is the soul survivor of suicide bridge having been thrown off by her despondent mother on May 1st, 1937.
Hello my name is Patrick Connolly and I am a resident artist for the milestone theatre company and our company is doing research about suicide bridge because we want to write a play about it and your mothers story is very interesting. I was wondering if there was a way that we can set-up an interview so i can you a couple questions.
I wish I could help, Patrick, but Heidi left no e-mail address with her comment.
Just happened to find my way back here and see your interest in my Mother’s story. Pasadena Weekly is doing a story on her. It might even be out already. She’s 77 yrs old now and still loves to share her story! Email me at pykepictures@live.com