Around 7 a.m. on January 27th, a 57-year-old man was seen driving off the end of Virginia Beach’s pier. Multiple people witnessed a person heading toward the locked gates of the pier that morning. A few people thought it was strange to see a car driving near the pier that early, but no one knew the disaster that awaited.
The pier gates were closed, but the city was up. Many people were out running or enjoying their morning and ended up witnessing something that could change them forever. It was said that before the man drove off the pier, he had been reported missing by his family. The police have released little information about the victim. All that was released is that he was a 57-year-old male.
Not only the people who were at the scene saw the accident. A bystander recorded a video during the calamity then uploaded the video onto social media platforms, thus spreading it around the globe. There is speculation on whether it was accidental or purposeful. The police department has kept most information secret.
After the accident took place, people started to spread the importance of mental health awareness. Not only did this spread to social media, but it made it to the news too. Adults and teens are now striving to spread the importance of good mental health. “I think mental health awareness is very important and we need to spread the stigma,” said Ella Westerhold (9).
Mental health should be something that is frequently talked about. Many believe the importance of it should also be pushed throughout the school system. Many kids and teens in modern times really struggle with mental health. Talking about the struggle with people is something that could really help them get though it.
“I think we need to make mental health a priority,” said Kate Kadela (9). Not only is it a problem in kids but in adults and elderly people too. “Especially for men and older people it can be hard to express their concerns about their mental health, and I think we should change that,” said Addy Weaver (9).
Overall, the tragedy that occurred on January 27th changed the lives of many. People from all over are mourning the loss of a person most never knew. Witnesses hope this tragedy has opened the eyes of the public. Mental health awareness should be something that is commonly spread in the world.
