Mentally-ill man feared dead after plunging off DHB

A 34-year-old man who was identified as Vellone Thorne, of Sussex Street, Charlestown, Georgetown, is feared dead after he reportedly jumped off the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB) on Sunday morning.

The incident occurred sometime between 07:20h and 07:35h, and was witnessed by a passer-by.
Based on reports received, a passer-by who saw what transpired immediately reported the matter to the Special Constabulary ranks on duty at the eastern end of the bridge.
The matter was then reported to the Providence Police Station and upon investigating, ranks discovered a black CG motorcycle parked on the northern side of the bridge facing west with its engine on.
Checks were made on the pontoons under the bridge but there were no signs of the man. The Police marine boat was subsequently dispatched to comb the river but that too proved futile.
Meanwhile, a family member who spoke with Guyana Times related that Thorne has been suffering from a mental illness for the past three years. They said ever since he was diagnosed, he made several attempts to end his life but was unsuccessful.
The most recent was sometime last year, when he attempted to jump over the said Harbour Bridge, but was rescued by passers-by. The family member related that Thorne has no children, and did not work due to his medical condition.
“Well, we all know he had his own problems. And this is not the first time he go to the bridge to jump off. So, it’s kinda sad and a shock same way,” the relative said.
It was also revealed to Guyana Times that the man had recently confided in the same relative that he was experiencing other issues at home.
“He would usually say he don’t have money and nobody ain’t want give he work… and some was about what happening with his siblings…”, the relative said.
Up to press time on Sunday, Police had not found the man’s body. Investigations are ongoing.
Back in 2014, a woman jumped off the Demerara Harbour Bridge (DHB), plunging to her death. Her body was pulled out of the river after an alarm was raised and placed into a boat under the bridge.
Then in January 2015, the body of another woman washed up in the vicinity of the Coast Guard Base at Ruimveldt after she had jumped to her death from the Demerara Harbour Bridge. It was reported that the woman exited a bus on the western side of the bridge and walked to the spot where she mounted herself and plunged overboard.