Two deaths have been reported within one week at Nashville International Airport (BNA).
On Sunday, June 25, BNA issued a public statement regarding the death of a man who jumped from the sixth floor of an airport parking garage to his death while in the presence of police.
— Fly Nashville (@Fly_Nashville) June 25, 2023
“This morning at approximately 5:45 a.m., an unfortunate accident occurred at Nashville International Airport resulting in the death of an individual,” BNA released in a statement at the time of the incident. “This is an active investigation being led by the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. All questions regarding this incident should be directed to Metropolitan Police Department, Public Affairs Director. This incident is not impacting travel.”
“If you or a loved one are experiencing a mental crisis, help is available. Text or call 988 for the Crisis Lifeline,” BNA added.
The man, a 30-year-old from Kentucky, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD), was talking with officers about his “depressed state” when he ran and jumped from the parking garage’s sixth floor.
MNPD detectives are investigating the apparent suicide of a 30 yr old KY man who jumped to his death from the 6th floor of a BNA airport parking garage this morning. Airport Police report they were talking with him about his depressed state when he ran & jumped. pic.twitter.com/gQdmFgyirB
— Metro Nashville PD (@MNPDNashville) June 25, 2023
A second death was reported at BNA on Friday morning, according to the MNPD dispatch log.
The incident type, labeled “CORPSE/D.O.A” (dead on arrival), was called in at 5:36 a.m.
FOX 17 Nashville reported that the deceased subject was a 64-year-old individual, citing information from MNPD.
“We can confirm a death occurred at Nashville International Airport (BNA). Out of respect for the family, we will not be issuing further comment,” BNA said in a statement Friday, according to the outlet.
WSMV 4 Nashville later reported that the 64-year-old died by suicide on Friday.
In the United States, suicide increased by 35 percent from 1999 to 2018 before declining by 5 percent through 2020, according to data by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Suspected suicide attempts began increasing to higher-than-usual levels during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in May 2020.
People in suicidal crisis or emotional distress can reach out to 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free and confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
Photo “Nashville International Airport” by Nashville International Airport.
