Military veteran dead by suicide at VA hospital garage in New York

Syracuse, New York. On Monday, a patient at Syracuse VA Medical Center appeared to have committed suicide outside the hospital’s parking garage.

Witnesses reported seeing a transgender pride flag draped over the individual’s torso.

The VA notified government officials that the transgender veteran had jumped from the garage and killed himself. The notification stated that the veteran had been released from the VA’s inpatient psychiatry unit on January 21.

At approximately 11:15 a.m. on Monday, onlookers noticed the body at the garage next to the hospital and across the street from Syracuse University’s JMA Wireless Dome. A corpse was discovered that day, according to Syracuse.com.

Food studies professor Anne C. Bellows said she and other SU faculty members noticed the body while returning to their office on the top level of the Falk College building.

According to her, the individual was wearing a body-length transgender flag that was light pink, light blue, and white.

Officials from the Syracuse VA refused to comment on the fatality when contacted by Syracuse.com| The Post-Standard. The only confirmation of a veteran’s death at the VA on Monday came from a VA official. According to the statement, officials would not elaborate, citing an ongoing inquiry and respect for the veteran’s family.

According to a university community warning, a number of SU residents claimed to have seen the body last Monday.

Where to find assistance

For assistance in times of crisis, phone, text, or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. You may also text TALK to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line.

To reach a crisis line dedicated to veterans, text 838255 or call 988 and press 1.

Call the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860 to reach a transgender-specific crisis line.

For an LGBTQ+ crisis line, text 678678 or call 866-488-7386.