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Grandson Of Golden Gate Bridge Suicide Barrier Advocate Leaps To His Death

SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX 5) -- As Golden Gate Bridge officials near a decision on the long-awaited suicide barrier, a supporter of the barrier is mourning after his grandson became the latest person to leap to his death from the bridge.

27-year-old Sean Moylan of Novato was the grandson of John Moylan, a former director of the Golden Gate Bridge Transit District.

Moylan's name was immediately recognizable to Erika Brooks, whose daughter jumped off the bridge more than six years ago, and a suicide barrier supporter.

"For anyone who thinks this only happens to someone else, that's not true, and this is perfect proof," Brooks told KPIX 5.

On a cold, dark morning in January 2008, Casey Brooks slipped out of her parents home, leaving a note that read, "I'm sorry. The car is at the Golden Gate Bridge."

"She was an incredibly witty, caring person who wanted to help people," Brooks said. "She wanted to go to college, she was accepted to Bennington. She never made it."

Despite concerns over funding and the impact on tolls, John Moylan convinced fellow board members that, one way or another, it was time to move ahead with a suicide barrier.

"Mr. Moylan was spearheading this," Brooks said.

The district will meet on June 27th to officially hear a recommendation on the $50 million project. It is expected to be approved.

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