Update: We are getting conflicting reports about the man’s university affiliation, so we have removed that detail until we can clarify.
Police say a recently dismissed professor jumped from the 4th floor of a brownstone apartment building at 4114 Spruce Street in an apparent suicide this morning. Police say the 44-year-old man lived on the 4th floor. He was pronounced dead at 6:49 a.m.
Oh gosh, I think I saw the aftermath of this on the 42 bus this morning. I noticed a lot of police and thought I saw a body bag on the walkway in front of the house. How sad.
Does anyone know who it was?
If anyone does know who it was, we (West Philly Local) ask that you refrain from listing the name in the comments until enough time has passed to notify the family.
It is always tragic when someone takes their life.
Stay classy Mike.
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.”
Since when does suicide make the news? A 17-year-old from my block killed himself a few weeks ago and there was never mention of it anywhere. Does WPL post this as hearsay or do you get your intel from a crime blotter? I’m not upset so much as curious.
@WZA It’s a really good question. Normally we would not report suicide. But this was a public act. People walking and riding the 42 bus up Spruce Street saw the body in front of the building and one of them wrote us to ask what happened. We felt compelled to answer that question for that person and for others who live nearby. In this case we got information from a police source and a resident in the building who knew the victim.
- Mike @ West Philly Local
That makes sense I suppose. Thanks for clarifying. Either way it is obviously very sad, and difficult for passersby that witnessed it. Tragic.
Any update on the identity of this person?
I know the man. He was a friend of mine for 20 years. He was the minister at my wedding and helped me through my battle with breast cancer. I cannot believe this is real. I wish he had let me know how bad things were. He kept it hidden. I will miss him greatly.
Thomas Meyer was my favorite professor at Temple University. I was greatly looking forward to having another course with him in the fall. He inspired me to turn to philosophy. He was extremely kind and intelligent. R.I.P. Tom.
Thomas Meyer is easily ranked among the most capable and enjoyable professors I have had the good fortune of studying under. Beyond his astute observations with regard to the thinkers he covered and of the world in which we live, he was most excellent at relating these to one another–and he consistantly did so in a smooth and organized fashion. I always took him to be most approachable and friendly, but he always spoke with me in a firm (but not at all abrasive) manner that told of a certain honesty and commanded my respect. Despite this tragic end, I anticipate no trouble recalling only good of him and will always regard him warmly. I wish all of his friends and family well.
Hi Michelle,
I remember hearing about you. Could you send me a note at sarapatternsmith at gmail dot com? Tom was a friend of mine.