Eugene Gartin, a 67-year-old male from Violet Township, Pickerington, OH, tragically died on July 13, 2014. He was found deceased in the parking lot of the Pickerington Police Department, having shot himself with a 20-gauge shotgun while sitting in his Chevy Silverado pickup truck. His body was discovered by someone entering the police station, who promptly alerted authorities.
Gartin's death was ruled a suicide. According to police reports, Gartin was a military veteran who suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder and had been dealing with depression. His son informed the police that Gartin had been despondent prior to his death.
There were no arrests, suspects, litigations, or investigations related to his death, as it was determined to be a personal tragedy rather than a criminal act. The incident was deeply mourned by the community, and resources for suicide prevention were highlighted in the aftermath.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Hotline at 614-221-5445, the Teen Suicide Prevention Hotline at 614-294-3300, or the Lifeline national organization for suicide prevention at 1-800-273-8255.
