A Durango man died Saturday after jumping from the Rivera Crossing Bridge behind Home Depot.
Ian Taylor, 31, was first reported missing by his girlfriend earlier in the day. The coroner’s office responded at 5:40 p.m., said La Plata County Coroner Jann Smith.
An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday. Smith said she suspects narcotics were involved in the death, but foul play is not suspected; it appears Taylor died by suicide.
Taylor was living out of his vehicle at the time of his death.
Richard Dilworth, an advocate for Durango’s houseless population, said he didn’t know Taylor personally. However, he said cultural judgment and disparagement of houseless people can negatively impact individuals’ mental health.
In October, another man experiencing homelessness took his own life in Durango.
Previous reporting indicates Taylor had his share of run-ins with the law. In a brief interview, Brandy Carl, a friend from childhood, described him as “a really (expletive) good person.”
Anyone in crisis or contemplating suicide should call Axis Health System crisis line at 247-5245 or can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.