Sheriff Ken Furlong
Courtesy
Not since August of 2023 has Carson City seen a monthly suicide rate as extreme as in January of 2026 having recorded at least seven suicides. Compared to data over the past 10 years, the community has averaged less than two per month. However, a suicide spike appeared in August 2023 when we suffered six, and then in January 2026 when the Coroner’s Office responded to seven suicides, including one at the Department of Corrections. Over the period of time examined, the most documented number of suicides recorded monthly was four. This appeared to have occurred on five monthly occasions over the 10-year period. In February of 2026, at least three additional suicides have been recorded.
When viewed annually, suicide rates have been falling since 2021 when 27 incidents were investigated. That steady decline came down to a total of only 12 during the entire year of 2025. Unfortunately, during the first two months of 2026 we have nearly met the total number in all of 2025. Data collected also reveals that in those years when suicide rates were highest, the most incidents occurred during the late spring and summer months. Only once during the data years reviewed were monthly suicide rates highest during the traditional December holiday season.
It has been noted that of the occurrences this year, the age of the victims has spread dramatically. The youngest of victims this year was in her 20s, and the oldest was over 80 years old. Also notable has been that all but two of the suicides was a male. The youngest was female. The coroners have reported that in most of the cases, a weapon was used to end the life.
What is most alarming in our current spike of deaths has been that almost all of the deaths have had a connection to domestic-related issues or circumstances. Added to this, a death may be classified as an accidental death if the totality of circumstances cannot be conclusively proven to be inflicted with the intent to cause death. Domestic related circumstances, use of a weapon and the lack of prior contact with known suicide prevention resources appear to be common themes.
With the addition of a third Mobile Outreach Safety Team (MOST) to the sheriff’s office in fiscal year 2026, we strive to bring additional resources to those in crisis. However, the teams are challenged with the common characteristics of domestic relationships and the lack of outreach. It has long been recognized that in most suicides, there has been no outreach or contact with resources that may have prevented the tragedy.
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According to a CCSO news release, MOST is a specialized response unit with a behavioral health peace officer and licensed clinical social worker, who assist individuals experiencing a mental health crisis or those in need of mental health support. The teams work collaboratively to provide “compassionate, professional assistance focused on de-escalation, safety and connecting individuals to appropriate resources and care.”
MOST members are trained to respond to a wide range of situations, including emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, substance-related crises and other mental health concerns.
Community members are encouraged to reach out to MOST if they or someone they know is experiencing a mental health crisis, feeling overwhelmed or needs help navigating mental health resources. Early intervention can make a meaningful difference, CCSO maintains.
MOST can be reached Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 775-350-5118 and Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 775-230-6002 or by email at [email protected].
In emergency situations, call 911 and request mental health support. For non-emergency assistance, contact the Carson City Sheriff’s Office dispatch line at 775-887-2677 or call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.
The Nevada Office of Suicide Prevention has teamed up with CCSO and NAMI of Western Nevada to offer free suicide prevention training 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. March 30 in CCSO’s Ormsby Room, 911 E. Musser St.
Information and registration at events.ticketleap.com/tickets/nevada-office-of-suicide-prevention-reno/carson-city-nv-safetalk-community-training-hosted-by-carson-city-sheriff-s-dept.
“No one has to face a mental health crisis alone,” according to CCSO.