Andrew Wojtanik, Fire Island National Seashore
(Fire Island, NY) – Suffolk County Police say a man fell to his death from the top of the Fire Island Lighthouse.
The man, who has not been identified, bought a ticket just before 2 p.m. Friday (August 29th) to access the lighthouse tower, the National Park Service said. He then jumped from the observation platform and died, according to Suffolk County police.
Kevin Beyrer, of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad, said they had obtained a video of the main walking up to the tower and handing over cash for the ticket, as well as a video of him jumping off in an apparent suicide. Marine Bureau officers responded to the scene at around 1:45 p.m. after a 911 caller reported the incident.
Some who were near the lighthouse at the time said the fence on the observation platform is about four feet high.
No further details about the man, including his name or age, had been released by authorities. Because the incident occurred along the Fire Island National Seashore, the National Parks Service was working with county police on the investigation.
The Fire Island Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse on Long Island, stands 168 feet — about 50 feet taller than Montauk Lighthouse — and features 182 steps to its gallery platform, where visitors can take in 360-degree views, according to the Fire Island National Seashore. The lighthouse is accessible from Robert Moses State Park. Visitors park at the eastern end of Field 5 and walk about three-quarters of a mile along the boardwalk to reach the tower.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
