Boulder Resident Finds, Helps Man Attempting To End Life: Police

BOULDER, CO — The Boulder County Sheriff’s Office paid tribute to the efforts of a local resident Tuesday after he spent hours on the summit of Bear Peak with a man who was attempting to end his life. Jonathan Palmer received an official Sheriff’s Commendation because, without his assistance, Sheriff’s Office officials said it’s very likely the suicidal man would’ve succeeded in his efforts to end his life.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the man’s unoccupied car was found at a trailhead outside Boulder after he texted a suicide note. As an organized search was starting, a call came into 911 from Palmer, who reported he was on the summit of Bear Peak with a man who needed help.

Officials said when Palmer encountered the man, the sun was setting, and though Palmer could’ve continued down the mountain, he instead stopped to check on the man. Palmer learned the man ingested medication, so he stayed to help until rescuers arrived. As the temperature dropped to freezing, Palmer gave his warm gear and water to the man, who already spent several hours outside and was suffering from exposure.

Palmer built a rapport with the man in the three hours it took rescuers to reach the secluded location, officials said. Because of this, Palmer was able to talk the man down the trail to meet rescuers. Rescuers said they noticed the bond between Palmer and the man, and before they parted, the two hugged while Palmer continued offering words of encouragement.

“Jonathan placed the needs of another person before his own comfort and safety,” Sheriff’s Office officials said in a statement posted to Facebook, “and, as a result, saved a life, making him a deserving recipient of a Sheriff’s Commendation.”