Body found on Tybee Tuesday morning was suicide victim, officials say

Early Tuesday morning on April 2, Tybee Island police officers found the body of an adult male who appeared to have committed suicide, according to the Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD). On Wednesday morning, TIPD released a statement via the department's official Facebook page confirming the person's cause of death.

"We have received numerous inquiries into an incident that took place on North Beach yesterday morning," the statement said.

"Sadly, a person took their own life. With that said, it is our practice to not publish incidents that involve suicide. As we move forward, we ask that you help us pay respect to the families and First Responders involved by granting them much needed privacy."

The statement went on to suggest options for people "experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideations."

"Our staff responded to a body on the beach that appeared to be someone who committed suicide with a hunting rifle,” Tybee Island Mayor Brian West shared with Connect Savannah after the public statement was released.

“Our first responders, public works and code enforcement staff encountered the situation, so we will be making sure that they are connected with the Employee Assistance Program should they need it," West shared.
While Tybee police did not clarify the age or identity of the victim, the Chatham County Coroner's Office confirmed the victim was an adult male.

A witness from Tuesday morning's scene on North Beach spoke to Connect Savannah about the area where the incident occurred. The witness recalled seeing Tybee police officers working to clear the scene behind yellow caution tape marking off the area.

The witness, who said they arrived at North Beach around 9:40 am on Tuesday, said it appeared the officers had been at the scene "for quite a while" when they arrived. They also noted seeing an excavator being used to smooth over and repair the sand immediately surrounding a dark tarp covering the victim's body.

Chatham County residents who are experiencing suicidal thoughts or ideations can get help by texting 741741 to text back and forth with a trained Crisis Counselor. Visit www.ChathamSafetyNet.org for free resources and numbers to call or text for help.