A suicide bid was thwarted by Twitter users when they alerted police about a man posting live updates as he took a drug overdose.
The 47-year-old victim used the social networking site to give a live commentary to friends and followers on what could have been his final moments after taking a hoard of pills.
In a series of tweets last night, the man, who was taking anti-depressants, told users he had stockpiled medication, adding: “YAY! get ready for a real-time suicide – cuz i can’t be arsed with this unending bull****... triple dose to start...”
He told followers he had taken at least nine pills, and described himself as “a useless, failed human being — damaged beyond repair”.
He continued: “If I don’t die at least the dreams will be awesome” and later said the drugs were “kicking in”. His final tweets of the night were “open the pod bay doors Hal...” and then simply: “Sluggish now...”
As it became clear what he was doing, Twitter users made frantic attempts to save the man, who the Standard has chosen not to name. Friends begged him to turn on his phone so they could speak to him, with one writing: “Turn your phone on babe. love you xxxxxxx”.
Amanda Westwood, from Preston, who had never met the man, led the efforts to track him down, calling on friends to help. Eventually, one user tracked him down to his Haringey address and contacted police and paramedics, who rushed to the scene.
He was taken to hospital as a precautionary measure at 11pm. Last night users were thanking Twitter for allowing them to help. One, Chesty Morgan, wrote: “So so pleased xxxxx is safe and in good hands. Twitter is a great thing sometimes eh?”
According to his own tweets, the victim had a history of mental illness and has spent time in prison. Neighbours described him as “happy” and said his suicide bid had come as a shock.
