Buderim funeral suicide attempt prompts mental health experts’ warning

Lifeline has shared tips to help spot someone in crisis after a man tried to take his own life during a live-streamed eulogy at a Sunshine Coast funeral.

Mental health experts have offered crisis advice after mourners witnessed a grieving husband try to take his own life during a live-streamed eulogy at a Sunshine Coast funeral.

The man – understood to be in his late 70s – was giving the eulogy at his wife’s funeral in Buderim on Wednesday, April 13, when he tried to take his own life in front of mourners gathered at the chapel and watching virtually.

It comes as support service organisation Lifeline shared early intervention tips to help identify people in crisis.

Lifeline Queensland manager Luke Lindsay said self-harm was often a sign of psychological distress and his organisation encouraged early intervention “to prevent escalation”.

“We strongly encourage anyone with thoughts of self-harm to reach out, Lifeline is here for you,” Mr Lindsay said.

“Offering this support and awareness of help available to those you may recognise at risk, is a way of actively helping.”

The recent incident happened about 1pm at a private service at the Buderim Crematorium and Memorial Gardens and its associated chapel.

A Queensland Ambulance Service spokeswoman confirmed several crews attended a Mooloolaba Rd location just after 1.15pm on April 13.

The crews were called to what was reported as a self-harm incident and the man was taken to hospital in a critical condition.

Another person was also treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Sunshine Coast Police confirmed the man had since recovered from his injuries, but Sunshine Coast University Hospital staff were unable to provide any updates on the man’s condition as of Thursday, April 21.

Mr Lindsay said common signs to watch for of someone struggling with their mental health including self-harm were withdrawing, sudden mood changes or changes in regular behaviour and becoming secretive.

“What’s important to remember if you are offering someone support, be non-judgemental,” he said.

“Listen so they feel heard, and encourage them to seek help.”

He urged people to contact Lifeline and said the text line (0477 13 11 14) was now available 24/7.

Buderim Crematorium and Memorial Gardens. Picture: Patrick Woods.

A spokesman for Simplicity Funerals declined to comment about the incident or what had been done to support staff and witnesses.

Sunshine Coast Police Superintendent and District Officer Craig Hawkins said it was common for police to respond to people requiring medical intervention.

“Stressors and other factors can lead people to act out of character,” he said.

“Where friends and family see a shift in a person’s behaviour medical assistance should be considered.”

It was understood the incident was being treated as a mental health matter and criminal charges were not being considered.

It comes after 25-year-old Gold Coast man Spike Porter took his own life in the back of a car in a funeral procession at the Pimpama Island Cemetery at Jacobs Well earlier this month.

Paramedics and fellow mourners tried desperately to save the popular twin but he died at the scene from critical head injuries before a rescue helicopter could fly him to hospital.

If you or someone you love is in crisis or needs support right now, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636. If it is an emergency please call triple-0.