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Suicide and accidental death at Beachy Head.
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|January 30, 1982
Summary
Suicide deaths at Beachy Head cliffs rose between 1965-79. Despite fewer suicide verdicts, most deaths were likely suicides, possibly due to a change in coroners and the site
Area of Science:
- Forensic Psychiatry
- Public Health Surveillance
Background:
- Beachy Head cliffs are a recognized suicide hotspot.
- There was a notable increase in deaths at the location between 1965 and 1979.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze trends in deaths at Beachy Head cliffs.
- To investigate the reasons behind changes in coroner verdicts for these deaths.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of death records at Beachy Head cliffs from 1965-1979.
- Examination of coroner's verdicts and circumstances surrounding the deaths.
Main Results:
- 124 deaths occurred, with 58 suicide verdicts.
- The total number of deaths increased over the study period.
- The proportion of suicide verdicts decreased, potentially due to a change in coroner.
Conclusions:
- The majority of deaths at Beachy Head were likely suicides.
- Factors such as site reputation, publicity, and accessibility contribute to its use for suicide.
- Changes in judicial or coroner practices may have influenced verdict statistics.