OKLAHOMA CITY –
The family of a Navy Sailor stationed at Tinker Air Force Base has come forward after their loved one’s sudden death last month. The 20-year-old died by suicide after jumping off a bridge on I-35 in Oklahoma City. Thatcher Rupert’s death has raised questions about mental health treatment standards on base.
Rupert’s family said medical professionals on base knew Rupert was in crisis in the months leading up to his suicide. The family is now waiting for the Navy’s investigation report to determine what went wrong the day Rupert went for help. They were told the report could take 60 to 90 days from Rupert’s death to complete.
The 20-year-old Navy sailor’s last cry for help was December 9th.
“You know we’re very aware of his depression struggles these past couple months, and I could think of no other reason why a Navy Chaplain would be at my house,” Alicia Kelsey, mother.
Alicia and Kenneth Kelsey said the chaplain told them their son went to a clinic on base for help.
“Was kind of brushed off, told he needed to make an appointment, and he threw a fit about it,” said Kelsey. “That’s not Thatcher either. So, for him to make a scene in a doctor’s office, he was very upset.”
The Kelsey’s said their son left base and drove to a bridge on I-35 in Oklahoma City. The medical examiner told the grieving family how Rupert died.
“Through tears this poor woman told us he jumped off a bridge,” said Kelsey.
Rupert’s family believes the suicide could have been prevented had Tinker medical staff and officials acted sooner. The couple has been in contact with other military families who claimed there were more like Rupert.
“Nine deaths in one year at one base and five or six of them were out of Thatcher’s squadron,” said Kelsey. “That’s a red flag to me. Like what’s going on?”
News 9 reached out to Tinker’s media office for an official response to Rupert’s death and to confirm other suicides, but we have not received any communication.
Oklahoma Congressman James Lankford’s office offered condolences to the family and sent a statement saying, “While our office cannot comment on specific constituent casework, any Oklahoma veteran or active service-member who believes they are not receiving adequate care through the military or VA health systems is encouraged to contact our office for assistance and follow-up regarding their circumstances. Any undue delay or denial of care for those who have selflessly served our nation is unacceptable. Anyone in a mental health crisis should call Oklahoma’s Mental Health Lifeline at 9-8-8.”
Rupert’s family and friends have also reached out to lawmakers in their state.
“We’re hoping the more we can contact, the more voices that are heard,” said Kenneth Kelsey, father. “The change will come that needs to come in the military for mental health illness.”
Rupert’s parents were told Tinker went on lock down an hour after he left the clinic on base as military police attempted to locate him. That information has not been confirmed that through Tinker officials.