Editor’s note: The content of this article includes a description of a suicide attempt. Help is available for anyone who is struggling or in crisis. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat to speak with a trained listener. Veterans, press 1 when calling.
CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Family of a 75-year-old man, who died after shooting himself in a room at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, said they want to know how Giddens managed to get a gun into the hospital.
Roy Giddens was a Marine veteran who served in Vietnam. The Sun Times reported that he had health issues in recent years and was admitted to the facility just before Jan. 1.
Roy told his brother, Donald, that the prognosis wasn’t good and said he didn’t want to live anymore.
The two were together on New Year’s Eve. They watched the Bears game. As Donald was leaving, Roy said he was going to “miss you guys.” Donald, though, thought the hospital was the best place for Roy to be.
On the way home, Donald received a text. A friend warned that Roy may have access to a gun. Before he could call his brother, the hospital called.
He had shot himself in the chest with a nurse in the room. He later died.
Donald and other members of the Giddens family have been left wondering how Roy could have gotten a gun into the medical center.
Officials with the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center issued the following statement:
“While we are unable to speak to the specifics of this case due to the ongoing investigation, we are very saddened at the loss of this Veteran at the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center and send our heartfelt condolences to the Veteran’s family, friends and staff impacted.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available and recovery is possible. For those who would like to help, the American Federation of Suicide Prevention recommends learning the signs of someone who may be at risk for suicide, reaching out, and connecting them with resources that can help, such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
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