VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) — Many questions remain unanswered as recovery efforts continue for the car that drove off the Virginia Beach pier early Saturday morning.
While the cause of the incident is still being investigated by police, a growing number of people are left wondering what led a person to drive onto the 14th Street Fishing Pier and into the ocean, with many concerned about the driver’s mental health.
10 On Your Side’s KaMaria Braye was at the scene Monday morning following the incident where people walking on the boardwalk stopped to look at flowers and a poster near the pier that reads “Dear Stranger.” The poster sends a message of compassion to the driver and a message of suicide awareness.
Police are still working to recover the car and any people that may be inside, and have not said what they believe caused the car to drive into the ocean.
Vanessa Church, a former pier worker, was at the scene on Monday and spoke with WAVY 10, saying it takes a lot of power to push through one of the now-broken iron gates.
“To feel like you just are so hopeless that the only thing you can do is drive your car off the pier. It’s just so sad. That was very painful,” Church said. “I’ve closed the pier several times just to pull the gates together. It’s very heavy there. That was a very horrific impact when they ran into that.”
10 On Your Side’s KaMaria Braye also spoke with a licensed clinical social worker about the importance of checking up on your loved ones.
“When it comes to individuals, you know, having those thoughts, whether passive, and by passive i mean like, wow, I just wish I wouldn’t wake up tomorrow to more of an active, suicidal thought,” Hannah Hayden, licensed clinical social worker and owner of Sapphire Counseling in Portsmouth said. “We need to be looking out for them isolating themselves. You know, especially if they’re someone who is pretty outgoing.”
Hayden urges others to take every effort to get someone struggling to safety.
“If somebody calls, do not let them hang up that phone call,” Hayden said. “Let them know you’re on the way to them. You can call an ambulance to their house if they’re willing to stay on the phone.”
Hayden also emphasizes the importance of seeking guidance from a professional for those who find themselves struggling.
“Sometimes those harder feelings are hard,” Hayden said. “They do stink, but with support and help, we can come back down from them.”
Although it remains unclear what caused the person to drive off the pier, anyone struggling with mental health issues are urged to contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8.