Man threatened death by helium in Athens parking lot

By Joe Johnson

In the early morning hours of February 18th Athens police responded to a report of someone threatening to commit suicide in the parking lot of Walmart on Lexington Road.

Upon arrival officers found a 32-year-old homeless man holding a gas canister who had called a suicide crisis line and said he planned to kill himself by inhaling helium.

After police established rapport with the man he willingly surrendered the tank of gas to them and he was transported to an Advantage Behavioral Health Services facility for evaluation.

Suicide by helium inhalation has become increasingly common because it is a quick and painless death.

Help is available by calling the Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225. Individuals can also call or text 988 or access assistance via chat at www.988lifeline.org.