This man wanted to jump off the Golden Gate Bridge in 2005. Now he and the officer who saved him help others in crisis

Kevin Berthia and Kevin Briggs spoke at Thursday’s VA resource fair in Jacksonville

Marcela Camargo, Digital Producer, Jacksonville

Published: September 19, 2024 at 2:30 PM

This story includes details that might be triggering for some. Scroll to the bottom for available resources.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – March 11, 2005, is a date Kevin Berthia will never forget.

“On that particular day, I just lost hope. I drove myself to the Golden Gate Bridge, not really understanding what I was there for, but knowing that I was trying to get myself out of pain,” Berthia said.

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Berthia was only 22 years old when he attempted to take his life.

“Twenty-two years of pretty much lying about who I was, internalizing things and not handling my emotions,” Berthia said.

Fortunately, on the other side of the bridge railing was California Highway Patrol Sgt. Kevin Briggs, who managed to speak with Berthia for about 90 minutes -- ultimately stopping him from jumping off the bridge.

“If it wasn’t for that conversation, I wouldn’t be here,” Berthia said.

March 11, 2005 - San Francisco, California, USA: CHP California Highway Patrol Officers help a suicidal man (jumper) over the rail after they talked him down. A jumper, Kevin Berthia, is talked down by CHP officer Kevin Briggs, center, at the north tower of the Golden Gate Bridge. (John Storey / San Francisco Chronicle / Polaris) /// (John Storey / San Francisco Chronicle / Polaris)

While the former California trooper doesn’t like to use the word “save,” Briggs is well aware of the power of that conversation, and the many others he’s had over the years on that same bridge.

“I didn’t save anybody, but I talked to well over 200 people contemplating suicide on that bridge,” Briggs said.

Fast forward to 2024, both Kevins are not only good friends but also work together as suicide prevention and mental health advocates.

In fact, both Briggs and Berthia were keynote speakers at the veterans resource fair Thursday at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, where hundreds of veterans were able to hear Berthia’s powerful story.

“Everybody in the world is struggling with something. So you’re not alone in this, and you just got to be comfortable with who you are and the things that you had to experience,” Berthia said. “And always tell people, it’s a journey not a destination. It’s not about where you’re going. It’s about understanding the steps, the tools to get you there, and just understanding the journey.”

Briggs said sometimes people don’t know the resources available to them, which is why events like the resource fair are critical to helping people in need.

“We have a lot of work to do as a society to get people help, let them know there is hope and that people do care,” Briggs said.

Berthia also has his own organization called the Kevin Berthia Foundation. To learn more about his efforts, visit this website.

If you know someone dealing with mental health issues, here is a list of resources:

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: 9-8-8; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Text TALK: to 741741 (suicide)
Text HOME: to 741741 (crisis)
Children Home Society’s Family Support: Warm Line 1-888-733-6303 (chslistens.com)
United Way: Dial 211 for 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention
The Vinson Foundation: Helping Families Coping with Suicide Loss (https://thevinsonfoundation.org/)
Heretomorrow: Helpline in Neptune Beach available Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-8 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. -- (904) 372-9087 (heretomorrow.org)
LSF Health Systems: 24/7 ACCESS TO CARE LINE: (877) 229-9098 (https://www.lsfhealthsystems.org/)
NAMI Jacksonville: Dial 904-323-4723 or email Helpline@namijax.org (https://www.namijax.org/)