Safety Measures Implemented in New York's Vessel After a Series of Tragic Suicides

The Vessel, a towering centerpiece of the Hudson Yards development in New York, faced a series of tragic incidents involving suicides that resulted in its closure three years ago. Designed by Thomas Heatherwick and constructed at a cost of $260 million, the 150ft sculpture garnered criticism not only for its design but also for its grim reputation as a site where multiple individuals tragically took their lives.

Before its closure, measures such as a $10 entrance fee and a rule prohibiting visitors from climbing the structure alone were implemented by Related Companies, the entity overseeing Hudson Yards. However, these strategies proved ineffective when tragic incidents, including a 14-year-old boy jumping in front of his family, continued to occur within the space. Criticism arose around the lack of adequate safeguards, particularly in response to requests for increased barriers made by community leaders and suicide-prevention experts following the series of suicides.

Despite being a popular backdrop for social media posts, the Vessel became infamous not for its aesthetics but for the somber associations related to the tragic events that unfolded there. Recognizing the need for enhanced safety measures, developers have now announced plans to reopen the Vessel later this year, incorporating a floor-to-ceiling steel mesh to prevent further incidents. This move aims to balance the preservation of the iconic structure's allure with a stronger emphasis on ensuring visitor safety, following calls from individuals such as Peter DeSalvo Jr, who lost his son to a fatal jump from the Vessel and emphasized the importance of adequate security protocols.