Matthew Chase Whitmer, a 20-year-old from Hercules, California, was last seen in the early morning hours of November 15, 2007, at his home. Matthew had a long history of mental health struggles, including schizophrenia and past suicide attempts. On the day of his disappearance, his family noted he had left home sometime before 6:30 a.m. His car was later found parked near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, with his wallet, identification, and wet clothes inside.
Two witnesses reported seeing a young man jump from the bridge around 6:25 a.m. that morning, and a text message Matthew sent to a friend at 6:23 a.m., reading "Peace out," suggests he may have taken his own life. Authorities conducted a search soon after the jump was reported, but his body was never recovered.
Before his disappearance, Matthew had stopped taking his prescribed psychotropic medications, which may have exacerbated his mental health challenges. His family has since advocated for increased suicide prevention measures on the Golden Gate Bridge, including the installation of barriers.
Last Seen: Nov 15, 2007
