VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — News 3 met Antonio Simmons at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier to interview him about the poster he attached to the railing of the boardwalk after a car went off the pier in January.
The poster reads:
“Dear Stranger, I don’t know you, I may never know you, but I am sad for you. I am sorry that the world has failed you as it does so many people. I’m sorry that you felt that this was the only choice. Everyone should be loved. You are not alone. Please reach out."
Images of the poster went viral on social media with the news from the fishing pier reaching millions of people in Virginia and beyond.
Simmons, a Virginia Beach native, was compelled to do something constructive in the face of a tragedy.
He included the suicide and crisis lifeline number in case those reading his poster needed help too.
Simmons also included his personal number on the poster.
"I’ve gotten a few calls," said Simmons. "Especially right when it first happened, saying some heartfelt messages, some people coming forward saying they’ve lost a loved one to suicide."
Simmons said these messages were personal for him.
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"Words that I wished I’d heard before," Simmons said. "Everybody can use these words. That’s why I left it open to interpretation."
He says his father struggles with mental illness, and suicide has touched those around him.
“One of my closest friends that I grew up with in Virginia Beach, his dad recently took his own life, and he’s been struggling, and me and him have been talking a lot," said Simmons.
While most awards are given during more upbeat moments, we at News 3 felt it was important to recognize Simmons's kind words and offer to help that touched our community.
Watch related story: Mental health professional offers advice in wake of Virginia Beach pier incident
We presented Simmons with an Everyday Hero award and a $300 gift card from our community partner Southern Bank.
And his mission isn’t done.
He and a friend have designed t-shirts and hoodies to hand out at the boardwalk with messages of hope. They are also working on a permanent plaque of this poster, so people for years to come can take comfort from a stranger's kind words.
If you or someone you know is suicidal or in emotional distress, we encourage you to call 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
