A father in the Pittsburgh area threw his two children off a municipal parking garage before jumping to his death in a murder-suicide, local police said.
The father and two children were found injured outside the garage in Mount Lebanon at 4:16 p.m. Tuesday, the Allegheny County Police Department said on social media.
Life-saving efforts were made, but the three were ultimately pronounced dead at the scene.
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The three were identified as Patrick Lynch, 42; James Lynch, 8; and Caroline Lynch, 6, according to Pittsburgh’s Tribune-Review.
Caroline had a rare genetic condition known as Williams syndrome, which led her mother, Anna Lynch, to co-found a local nonprofit called The Inclusion Collective dedicated to disability awareness and schooling.
Ms. Lynch said on social media Tuesday that “my husband made the irreversible decision to kill our two children and himself this evening. Before the media jumps to conclusions, he was a wonderful dad. He was laid off in August and shortly after became depressed. I suggested he go to a therapist, which he agreed to go to and had an appointment booked for 11/4. One day too late. Please check on your loved ones.”
On Wednesday, city officials said on social media that “we continue to offer our deepest sympathies to the family, friends and anyone touched by the tragedy in Mt. Lebanon yesterday. Seeing neighbors reaching out to take care of each other is giving us solace on this sad day. … If you or someone you love is suffering a mental health crisis of any kind, on any day at any time, please reach out to a mental health professional or … Crisis Services.”
The Mount Lebanon School District closed two elementary schools Wednesday and said in a statement that “we are deeply saddened by the tragic news involving members of our Mt. Lebanon school community. Our hearts are with all those affected, and we are keeping them and their loved ones in our thoughts during this incredibly difficult time,” according to Pittsburgh’s WTAE-TV.
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