NASA worker jumps from launch pad after layoff

[n2doc]

Autopsy: NASA worker jumped off launch pad

By Emily Cassulo

A space shuttle worker who died from a fall at a launch pad at Kennedy Space Center actually jumped, according to an autopsy report.

The autopsy revealed that James Vanover, 53, committed suicide and died from multiple blunt force injuries.

He fell 130 feet from Launch Pad 39A back in March.

The report said Vanover had a note in his wallet to his wife and children telling them he was going blind and didn’t want to burden them.

It says he committed suicide two weeks after voluntarily agreeing to a compensated layoff with the United Space Alliance. He apparently changed his mind a few days later, but wasn’t allowed to keep his position.

http://www.wdbo.com/news/news/local/autopsy-nasa-worker-jumped-launch-pad/nCbg2/

[trotsky]

1. Who needs universal healthcare?

We sure don't!

What a sad, tragic, and ultimately preventable story. But at least our billionaires have their tax cuts to make them feel better.

[MindPilot]

2. You can't really pin this one on lack of healthcare

His job in all likelihood provided good benefits, and healthcare was also probably included in his compensation package. Losing your vision...I can easily understand where that would make someone want to check out.

[Scuba]

3. Disagree in principle. The "burden" he describes...

...could be greatly lessened if our country provided adequate services. Universal healthcare would go a long way toward meeting that.

[The Backlash Cometh]

4. That's because someone planted in his head that there was only one way t o live.

[Javaman]

5. Poor guy.

Poor family.

He lost his job and the only way he felt he could help his family is to kill himself. Didn't want to be a burden.

Isn't it interesting that one is lead to believe that one's family would be better off by this person killing themselves?

It's really a sad statement on society, where a person believes this is his only recourse to save his family.