Fans of London-born model and TV actor Sam Sarpong are mourning his suicide in the wake of failed efforts to prevent him from jumping from a freeway overpass in Pasadena.
Pasadena police say Sarpong, 40, jumped Monday from the Colorado Street Bridge after seven hours of attempts to talk him down. The Pasadena resident was pronounced dead at 3:52 p.m. Monday, according to Pasadena police.
Official cause of death was waiting results of toxicology testing. Sarong, who was a basketball star at El Camino Real High School in Woodland Hills, had small roles in “Bones” and “Boston Public” and co-hosted MTV’s 2006 show, “Yo Momma.” He also modeled for Tommy Hilfiger and other fashion brands.
Officers and firefighters were sent to the bridge about 8:30 a.m. that day after receiving word that a man was perched on the bridge’s outside railing, police said.
Family members arrived to provide background on the man’s emotional state and despite contact with negotiators, he jumped from the bridge into the Arroyo Seco, police said.
“It is sad and troubling when an individual has become so despondent that he or she feels their only option is to end their life,” Police Chief Phillip Sanchez said. “These incidents can often have a significant impact on the victim’s loved ones, first responders, and the community as a whole. My prayers go out to the family.”
A representative for his family said in a statement:
“It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Sarpong Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away. The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation and no additional details are known at this time. The family appreciates the thoughts and prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request that privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health maintains a 24-hour bilingual suicide helpline at (800) 854-7771. Local referrals for care are also available by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at (800) 273- 8255.
Read more about Sam Sarpong’s death here:
Sam Sarpong, former model and MTV co-host, dies at 40: https://t.co/HgcMdizFw1
— WORLDDAILYTIMES (@WORLDDAILYTIMES) October 29, 2015
Sam Sarpong spent 7 hours talking to police on the bridge prior to his apparent suicide: https://t.co/uLmzMP2E0Npic.twitter.com/iOblzm2aL9
— Us Weekly (@usweekly) October 29, 2015