Facebook failed to stop 'depressed' boxer, 50, from live-streaming his own 'suicide by hanging' to 400 viewers
Facebook has been accused of failing to stop the live-stream of a father's suicide despite receiving reports from hundreds of users that the disturbing incident was happening. Jonathan 'Bazza' Bailey, 50, a UK-based boxer and popular figure among his Facebook community, had told his followers that he was planning to end his life at around 1 pm on Saturday, July 11, according to The Sun. After posting the message, he began live-streaming his death, much to the horror of those witnessing it. More than 400 people are said to have watched Bailey's suicide, with many desperately alerting the social media giant to the stream to little avail.
The Stoke Sentinel reported that Bailey was pronounced dead after paramedics were called to an address on Larkspur Grove, in Newcastle-under-Lyme, for a "medical emergency." "We were called to reports of a medical emergency at a property on Larkspur Grove," a West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said. "Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance attended the scene. We discovered one man in a critical condition. Ambulance staff immediately began administering advanced life support but sadly, despite their best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene."
Addressing the disturbing "suicide by hanging", Facebook said they had sent the 50-year-old "support documents" after he made his suicidal post and before his live stream. They said they deleted the live-stream immediately but acknowledged they "could do better" as well. "Our thoughts go out to Mr. Bailey’s family at this difficult time," a spokesman for the company said. "We can confirm that the live-stream was deleted very soon after being posted and a further post has also now been removed at the family’s request." "We take the responsibility of keeping people safe on our platforms seriously, and we will continue to work closely with experts like The Samaritans to ensure our policies continue to support those in need," the spokesman added.
Bailey had been known for setting up the Chesterton gym, as well as a Facebook anti-drugs group called Stoke-on-Dust to tackle the monkey dust problem that had been plaguing North Staffordshire. "Bazza Bailey, an extraordinary man that we had the honor of getting to know," Stoke-on-Dust wrote on a tribute. "Although it was over a short period of time, the impact Baz had on the whole Stoke-on-Dust team was truly heartening, one that can't be summarised into a few words."
"The news is devastating and our condolences go out to his family, friends, and loved ones. A true legend in the city of Stoke, his activism, and perseverance in making the community a better place was legendary and we hope that his legacy lives on in those he inspired. Rest in Peace."
His daughter, Lucy Bailey, shared a message from her father where he criticized the country's mental health services and called for change. Bailey had complained about not getting the correct medication for his depression and not being able to see a psychiatrist for months even though his condition had been worsening. "Something needs to change, I can’t explain how many times you’ve been let down by the mental health services," she wrote. "I’m never going get my head around the fact we can’t speak everyday anymore I can’t see you hug you. I’m forever going to try and do you proud."
A GoFundMe page has raised more than $8,000 at the time of writing.