Police in Oakland County rescue suicidal man who changed mind while climbing 200-foot tower

21-year-old man rescued after climbing 85 feet up 200-foot tower

A 21-year-old man was rescued from a 200-foot tower in Independence Township after changing his mind about suicide. (WDIV)

INDEPENDENCE TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Police in Oakland County rescued a suicidal 21-year-old man who had climbed nearly halfway up a 200-foot tower before changing his mind and calling for help.

Oakland County deputies received a 911 call at 9:23 p.m. Wednesday from a man on the south side of the Pine Knob Ski Resort in the 7000 block of Sashabaw Road.

Recommended Videos



Police said the man was about 85 feet up the 200-foot tower when they arrived. (WDIV)
The 200-foot tower is located at the Pine Knob Ski Resort. (WDIV)

The man told police he had climbed a tower with plans to jump from it, but changed his mind after he got about 85 feet off the ground.

During the 911 call, the man said his girlfriend broke up with him after he had recently gotten divorced. He said his best friend was involved in a crash with a semi truck.

Deputies went to the tower and spoke to the man about coming down. He said he couldn't climb down, so members of the Independence Township Fire Department Technical Rescue Team climbed up and secured him in a harness. The man was lowered safely to the ground.

The 21-year-old man called police after climbing nearly halfway up the tower. (WDIV)
Members of the Independence Township Fire Department Technical Rescue Team climbed the tower to help the man. (WDIV)

Once the man was on the ground, paramedics treated him for exposure to the extremely cold weather conditions.

Deputies went with the ambulance to the hospital, where they filled out paperwork for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation.


About the Author

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.

Recommended Videos