Mexican police officer records poignant video about depression before dying in fall

A municipal police officer in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, died after falling from a highway overpass. Orlando García Maciel, an administrative officer, was in uniform and on duty when the incident occurred at the Juan Pablo Segundo overpass.

Before his death, García Maciel recorded a video while driving a patrol car. In the poignant message shared on his personal social media, he spoke of his internal struggles. "Don't be sad, I had been going through a silent depression for a long time that ended up consuming me," he expressed calmly. He asked his loved ones to remember him for the positive moments they shared.

The Secretariat of Security, Prevention, and Citizen Protection of León expressed its condolences. The department confirmed it has initiated institutional support, psychological counseling, and administrative assistance for the deceased officer's family. The state agency also emphasized that its Integral Health Unit maintains an open-door policy for emotional support to active members of the police force.

Depression and suicide-related behaviors are complex public health issues requiring serious, stigma-free approaches. According to psychologist Axel Isaac Zepeda Bello, it is crucial to identify warning signs early before distress becomes overwhelming. The Mexican Government's Ministry of Health identifies key risk factors, including persistent feelings of hopelessness, social isolation, drastic changes in sleep patterns, and explicit expressions of feeling trapped.