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April 14, 2010

Robert Smith, an attendant at Mount Trexler Manor in Allentown, Pennsylvania, willingly made a 30-foot plunge to break the fall of a suicidal patient at the facility -- and survived.

Smith suffered major injuries including severe fractures in both of his arms, but he managed to avoid spinal and brain injuries, USA Today reports.

The 20-year-old woman whom he risked his life for also survived the fall, and only sustained minor injuries.

"That's the nature of the type of person he is," Smith's uncle told the news source. Other colleagues and friends have described Smith as "conscientious" and "always there for people."

Smith has three children and three grandchildren. He's expected to recover after extensive rehabilitation.

According to the American Foundation of Suicide Prevention, more than 33,000 people die by suicide every year in the U.S., and it is the fourth leading cause of death for adults between the ages of 18 and 65.

The foundation organizes a series of conferences around the world to help the families of those who have committed suicide heal and thrive after the death of their loved one.

Individuals who are depressed and struggling with suicidal thoughts can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

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