Dubai: A musician in the Philippines live streamed his own death on Facebook, as he fell from the 34th floor ending a long battle with clinical depression.
41-year-old drummer Brian Velasco played for the band Razorback and according to news website mirror.co.uk, he said good bye to his friends and family with a final message: “I’m going to go now.”
He reportedly then said, “Here I go,” before jumping to his death.
According to the report, Manila Police District Homicide Section said that his body was found on a safety canopy on the ground floor.
@IrishDDizon: “Please do not share Brian Velasco’s suicide video. It’s not entertainment. Someone DIED. Please do not let your need for [rumour] overpower your humanity. Rest in peace, Brian.”
In a tweet, the Philippines Department of Health sent out condolences to Velasco’s family and friends and urged people to stop sharing the video.
https://twitter.com/officialdohgov/status/1085765988606304257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1085765988606304257&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fcoconuts.co%2Fmanila%2Flifestyle%2Fhealth-department-urges-public-not-share-video-razorback-drummer-brian-velascos-suicide%2F
#DepressionIsNotAJoke
Several social media users spoke up about the need to address depression using the hashtag #DepressionIsNotAJoke.
Tweep @johnsalvacruzph reacted to the news, writing: “So, I just heard what’s been going on. Brian Velasco, drummer of Razorback has taken his own life due to depression. Some or most people think depression is a joke. He showed us that it isn’t. This is a really sad day for OPM [Filipino music]. Thank you for the music.”
https://twitter.com/Marselogy/status/1085415614460715009
Sharing her own experience with depression, tweep @ruthipieee asked people to reach out if they were struggling: “Let me know and let’s empower each other. Or let someone know or seek help. Suicide is NOT an option! We should always look on the brighter side of life. #SaveSomeone #ReachOut We can do better. Our lives matter. We deserve better. #WeCanOvercome.”
