Man Jumps From Graton Casino Parking Garage, Takes Own Life

ROHNERT PARK, CA — A 24-year-old man took his own life by jumping from the parking garage at Graton Resort and Casino early Monday morning, shortly after he was taken into custody by Sonoma County Sheriff's Office deputies who were working to prevent his death, officials with the sheriff's office said in a statement.

The deceased has been identified as Geoffrey Wise Bertagnolli, 24, of Gardnerville, Nevada.

"Our sincerest condolences to his family and friends," said Sheriff's Office Spokeswoman Misti Wood.

According to Wood, deputies first responded about 1:30 a.m. Monday to a report that a man wanted to jump off the top floor of the parking garage at the casino located at 288 Golf Course Drive, just outside Rohnert Park city limits.

"Deputies responded without lights and sirens to avoid startling him," Wood said. "They found a distraught man standing on a four foot wall at the top of the parking garage, talking with his wife. Deputies began talking to him in an effort to understand his situation and convince him to get off the wall safely."

Meanwhile, deputies called for assistance from the sheriff's Hostage Negotiations Team, firefighters and other emergency medical personnel.

Still talking with deputies, the man briefly became distracted at about 2:02 a.m., at which point deputies grabbed him off the wall and handcuffed him for his own safety because he was trying to take his own life, Wood said.

"He was not arrested and was immediately placed on a psychological hold," Wood said, explaining that in the event of a psychological hold, it is standard practice to drive that person to a hospital or crisis stabilization unit for a medical evaluation and assistance.

At that point, fire and medical personnel were still at the scene but the Hostage Negotiations Team, which had not yet arrived, was canceled, Wood said.

About 10 minutes after the man was detained, deputies were walking the man to a patrol car when he broke free and ran back toward the wall, Wood said.

"Deputies chased him, but he jumped up and over the wall, still handcuffed," Wood said. "He fell to the bottom and died instantly."

Graton Resort & Casino confirmed the man's death occurred in the casino parking area, but referred further media inquiries to the sheriff's office.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit was investigating the incident, while the Marin County Coroner's Office conducted the autopsy.

Editor's Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with such thoughts, please contact the North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline of Sonoma County at 855-587-6373 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which operates 24 hours a day and can be reached at 800-273-8255.