There are few things in America — let alone the world — as iconic as the prestigious Golden Gate Bridge.
But after years in the making, the famous landmark is getting a long-awaited, life-saving makeover.
Earlier this week, dozens gathered with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background to commemorate the completion of the bridge’s suicide deterrent safety net.
After years of work, the project finally came to fruition thanks to the efforts of Kimberlyrenne Gamboa, whose son died by jumping off the bridge in 2013.
“Super outgoing kid. Captain of his basketball team. Played all these sports. Went to a small school from kindergarten all the way through 12th grade, and he had just started his senior year of high school,” Gamboa said.
Following her son’s passing, Gamboa and her husband, who are from the Sacramento area, made it their mission to attend every single bridge district board meeting. Their goal was to stop others from experiencing what they were going through.
“We told them we’re not going away until you do something. My number one goal at that time, because I didn’t know if they were going to do anything, was you’re going to discuss this at every meeting,” Gamboa said.
Gamboa’s advocacy, along with that of many others, finally led to the district agreeing to install the net.
Local leaders praised the completion of the project, saying it was an important step for the entire Bay Area.
“It provides people a second chance. So if someone does fall into the net, we’re able to rescue them. They’re able to come back and really take advantage of a second chance on life,” said district spokesperson Paolo Cosulich-Schwartz.
Every year, around 30 people die by suicide by jumping off of the Golden Gate Bridge. Advocates say if they could prevent just one more death from happening, all of their work will be worth it.
“This is a lifelong heartbreak and grief. It never goes away. You’re always thinking – what would it have been if my son was still alive,” Gamboa said.