“Every one of you has two ears and one heart so you are powerful. ”—Kevin BerthiaKevin Berthia became famous [after appearing in] a 2005 San Francisco Chronicle newspaper cover photo.
He was standing on a four-inch narrow cord over the railing on the Golden Gate Bridge. He was ready to jump 220 feet to his death.
His major depressive disorder had gotten the best of him. However, a first responder named Kevin Briggs spotted him. Officer Briggs communicated with Berthia over the railing for 96 minutes, 89 of which the officer just listened to Berthia speak of all the pain in his life.
Berthia eventually allowed Officer Briggs to hoist him over the railing to safety. Berthia now zigzags across the country with his message about the importance of listening.