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The image of Evelyn McHale, taken moments after her fatal jump from the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building, was published as a full-page photograph in the May 12, 1947 issue of Life magazine. The photograph was accompanied by a caption that read: “At the bottom of the Empire State Building, the body of Evelyn McHale reposes calmly in grotesque bier, her falling body punched into the top of a car.” Despite the violent impact of her 1,050-foot fall, McHale’s body was found in an almost peaceful, composed position, her legs crossed and her gloved left hand resting gently over her chest. This haunting image, paired with her peaceful appearance amidst the wreckage, led to the media’s chilling label of “The Most Beautiful Suicide.”
The tragic story of McHale’s death starts with her life’s struggles. Born on September 20, 1923, in Berkeley, California, Evelyn was one of nine children. Her family faced many challenges, including the untimely death of her mother, who suffered from undiagnosed depression. This led to a divorce, with her father taking custody of all the children. Despite these hardships, McHale showed promise. After graduating from high school in 1942, she enlisted in the Women’s Army Corps and later worked as a bookkeeper in Baldwin, New York. During this time, she met Barry Rhodes, a young man she would become engaged to, with their wedding set for June 1947.
On April 30, 1947, Evelyn traveled from New York to Easton to visit Barry for his birthday. The next day, Barry kissed her goodbye at the train station, and everything seemed normal. However, shortly after returning to New York, McHale made a tragic decision. Around 10:40 AM, she jumped from the Empire State Building’s observation deck. As she fell, she cleared the setbacks and landed on the roof of a United Nations Assembly Cadillac limousine parked below. The impact was heard by several witnesses, including a nearby photography student, Robert C. Wiles. Wiles rushed to the scene and, with his camera in hand, captured the now-infamous image of McHale’s body lying motionless on top of the damaged car.
What makes this photograph so haunting is not just the devastation of McHale’s death, but the appearance of her body. Despite the fall, her body showed no visible signs of trauma. She lay with her legs crossed and her left hand resting on her chest, clutching her pearl necklace. The crumpled metal of the car and shattered glass surrounding her starkly contrasted with her calm demeanor, creating an unsettling juxtaposition. The serene and composed nature of her body, in the face of such destruction, gave rise to the photograph’s eerie title.
The aftermath of her death revealed the depth of McHale’s despair. A suicide note found on the 86th-floor observation deck read, “I don’t want anyone in or out of my family to see any part of me. Could you destroy my body by cremation? I beg of you and my family—don’t have any service for me or remembrance for me.” McHale’s words revealed her inner turmoil and feelings of unworthiness, especially in the face of her upcoming marriage to Barry. “My fiancé asked me to marry him in June. I don’t think I would make a good wife for anybody. He is much better off without me,” the note continued.
The tragic irony of McHale’s desire to disappear from the world is that her death, and the photograph that followed, became one of the most widely recognized and often romanticized depictions of suicide in history. Her image, serene yet devastating, resonated deeply with those who saw it, leaving an indelible mark on the collective consciousness.
Evelyn McHale’s death was not the first or last suicide from the Empire State Building, which has long been a site for such tragic events. Since its construction in 1931, the building has been the site of over 30 suicides, with several occurring from the 86th-floor observation deck. However, McHale’s death was the first to capture the attention of the public so dramatically. In response to the increasing number of suicides, a wire mesh barrier was installed in 1947 to deter further jumps, though people continued to jump from other parts of the building.
Evelyn McHale’s story is a reminder of the silent struggles many face, and the powerful, lasting impact of this one tragic image serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and seeking help during times of distress.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS STRUGGLING WITH THOUGHTS OF SELF-HARM OR SUICIDE, PLEASE KNOW THAT HELP IS AVAILABLE. REACH OUT TO SOMEONE WHO CAN PROVIDE SUPPORT, GUIDANCE, AND CARE. HERE ARE SOME WORLDWIDE SUICIDE PREVENTION NUMBERS:
- International Suicide Prevention Hotline Directory: Visit www.suicide.org/international-suicide-hotlines.html to find helplines for specific countries.
Some key numbers include:
- USA: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 988
- United Kingdom: Samaritans – 116 123
- Canada: Crisis Services Canada – 1-833-456-4566
- Australia: Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14
- India: Snehi – 91-22-2772 6771
- South Africa: Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0800 567 567
- New Zealand: Lifeline New Zealand – 0800 543 354
YOU ARE NOT ALONE, AND THERE IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE. PLEASE REACH OUT TO A TRUSTED PROFESSIONAL OR CONTACT A HELPLINE FOR HELP. YOUR LIFE MATTERS.
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