Don Ritchie, The Angel Of The Gap, Passes Away At 85

Australians are mourning the death of Don Ritchie, a man who earned his nickname “The Angel Of The Gap,” by stopping more than 500 suicides at a coastal cliff on Sydney’s east coast.

His sister Sue Ritchie Bereny said:

“He could read some people needed help. He would say not to underestimate the power of a kind word and a smile…”

The Telegraph reports that Ritchie officially saved 160 people over the last 5 decades but his family believe the number is closer to 500.

The Herald Sun reports that hundreds of people have committed suicide at the Gap, the notorious cliff at Watsons Bay, over the years. But thanks to Ritchie, that number is much lower than what it could have been.

The Angel of The Gap was awarded several community awards throughout his 85-year life and was even given the Medal of the Order of Australia. Ritchie was also named an Australian local hero.

Ritchie said that several of the people he convinced to walk away from the edge of the cliff have sent him cards, champagne, and letters to thank him for his deed.

Ritchie said:

“I’m 85 and even at my age it has broadened my horizons with all the wonderful people I have met… I’ve had welcome feedback from people who have come back from the edge. It’s really rewarding knowing that the action I took changed the course of their lives and got them back on track… It’s important for troubled people to know that there are complete strangers out there, like myself, who are willing and able to help them get through that dark time and to come out on the other side.”

Ritchie, who was born in Vaucluse in 1926, died peacefully at his home in Watsons Bay at the age of 85.