Suicide on Justin.tv sharpens focus on social media

He’s not the first person to commit suicide in front of a live audience and, sadly, 19-year-old Abraham K. Biggs of Pembroke Pines, Fla. probably won’t be the last. According to reports popping up on the Web, Biggs took some pills Wednesday night and then laid down on his bed while users on Justin.tv watched. Mark “Rizzin” Hopkins at Mashable gives a detailed account:

After an unspecified amount of time, one forum member in particular from India became concerned by Biggs’ lack of movement and hunted down the actual name and location. He then pleaded with the forum to call the Miami-Dade police department, but was met with cynical replies declining to intervene on account of his “troll status.”

After several unsuccessful emails by the forum member to Miami-Dade police, he borrowed his father’s mobile and spoke to a number of policemen who didn’t take the call seriously, but directed him to the Broward County Sheriff’s Department.

Approximately an hour later, Biggs’ door was busted down and BSO and paramedics arrived on the scene. After quickly confirming his status, covered the camera.

I wonder how long it will take for someone to blame Biggs’ death on his use of social media, in this case the BodyBuilding.com forum where he interacted with other members and Justin.tv, which allows users to stream live video, share videos and chat. Honestly, I’d never heard of Justin.tv before tonight. By this time tomorrow, I’m guessing a lot more people will know about it.

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