Florida Teen Commits Suicide on WebCam
by Frank Jovine on 11/21/2008 in Internet, People
A message popped up next to the live webcam broadcast of Abraham Biggs lying motionless on his bed, followed by LOL and “hahahah.” Biggs was motionless.
185 people watched the suicide.
The 19-year-old Broward College student really did commit suicide by taking a drug overdose in front of a live Internet audience, as some computer users egged him on and others tried to talk him out of it.
According to the (AP): Some watchers ultimately contacted the website to notify police, but by the time officers entered Abraham Biggs’ home, it was too late. The reality of what happened came to a head for these viewers after police entered the video frame and were seen hovering over Biggs’ body.
Biggs, who suffered from what his family said was bipolar disorder, or manic depression, lay dead on his bed in his father’s Pembroke Pines house Wednesday afternoon, the camera still running 12 hours after Biggs announced his intentions online around 3 a.m.
It was unclear how many people watched it unfold.
Biggs was not the first person to commit suicide with a webcam rolling. But the drawn-out drama and the reaction of those watching — was seen as an extreme example of young people’s penchant for sharing intimate details about themselves over the Internet.
It’s a sad day that we lost another teen to suicide.
BadEvan
Nov 21st, 2008
This was on Justin.tv right? I heard about this earlier…I thought it was fiction…but now I’m seeing more about it…
Frank J
Nov 21st, 2008
Yes that’s correct. It’s a shame this happened and it’s becoming to frequent!
Robert Barr
Nov 21st, 2008
That’s unbelievable. Truly a shame.
Fool
Nov 22nd, 2008
This is not some sort of a joke, it is disgusting in every way, and placards must be put into place to stop this chit from reoccurring.
Frank J
Nov 22nd, 2008
No joke. This actually happened.
Julie
Nov 22nd, 2008
What a shame…the loss of another life and to know that some of the viewers egged it on. Wonder what they must be thinking now…or if they even care. I pray for this family in that they will find peace in some way.
Jena
Nov 24th, 2008
It’s a shame. I can’t believe people were beggin him to do it. Callin him a coward and everythin. People can be so damn cold. It makes me sick to my stomach… that people can be that cruel.
Anyone who was involved and was part of the crowd laughin and tellin him to do it… rot in hell.
R.i.p. Abraham Briggs
Frank J
Nov 24th, 2008
Jena,
It’s a shame that we have people like this in our society. I just hope I never meet any of them.