Authorities arrived to the scene of Sam’s suicide after a witness reportedly called police when they saw Sam “standing on the outside of the railing of the Colorado Bridge,” according to a news release given to HollywoodLife.com from the Pasadena Police Department. The release said that several police officers and fire fighters responded to the call, closing off the bridge as well as the area below it. Included in this team of responders were members of the Pasadena Police Department Crisis Negotiation Team, who were able to establish dialog with the Sam. As they talked with Sam, members of his family also showed up. Unfortunately, the release said that even after “approximately seven hours of communication,” Sam ultimately jumped to his death.
After jumping, Sam was sadly pronounced dead by Pasadena Fire Paramedics at 3:52 PM, according to the release. While it also mentioned that Sam “demonstrated suicidal tendencies,” it’s never easy to see someone end their life — especially someone of Sam’s status. He co-hosted MTV’s Yo Momma with Wilmer Valderrama, but had plenty of acting credits to his name. He was also a model and acted as the face of the Tommy Hilfiger brand for several years.
“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. 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,” Police Chief Phillip Sanchez added in a statement following Sam’s death.
No additional details have been released regarding Sam’s death or the circumstances surrounding it, Us Weekly reports from a statement from Sam’s family. In the meantime, our hearts go out to Sam’s family and friends.
HollywoodLifers, send your thoughts to Sam’s family and friends during this difficult time.
— Taylor Weatherby