CIL is devastated to learn about the passing of Brett Estes, a cherished member of the disability community and part of the Disabled Students’ Program at Berkeley during the height of the Disability Rights Movement.
On Monday, 4/1, authorities rescued him from beneath a BART train at North Berkeley station but he passed away from critical injuries on Wednesday, 4/3. His death has been ruled a suicide.
People who knew Brett believe that among other things, one of the reasons he decided to end his life was related to the inability to find adequate attendant support. Unfortunately, there are other cases of disabled people ending their lives for the same reasons.
Attendants are a crucial piece for people with disabilities to live safely, independently, and with dignity. This is one of the reasons CIL is continuing to develop its Personal Attendant Services (PAS) Program.
Our hearts are with Brett Estes’ family and friends as we mourn his loss.
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For more information, see The Berkeley Scanner’s article or Pushing Limits’ “Attendants Save Lives” radio segment.
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Mental health resources are available if you need help.
- Berkeley Mental Health: 510-981-5900 (limited hours)
- Specialized Care Unit: 510-948-0075 (limited hours)
- Alameda County 24-hour crisis line: 800-309-2131
- Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
