Oscar Pistorius Not Suicidal, Family Members Say

Oscar Pistorius is not suicidal, family members said after reports emerged that the Olympic athlete was contemplating killing himself in the wake of charges that he murdered his girlfriend.

While his family admitted that while he is distraught over the death of Reeva Steenkamp and the charges he faces in his death, they said that Postorius has not thought of suicide.

Pistorius “is in deep mourning but despite the tragic circumstances he is certainly not suicidal,” said a statement issued by the athlete’s uncle, Arnold Pistorius. “From the moment we were first informed about the dreadful event of the early morning of 14 February 2013, we have worked hard to come to terms with the sad news of Reeva Steenkamp’s death and Oscar’s role in it.”

Reports emerged Friday that Oscar Pistorius was suicidal over Steenkamp’s death, his charges of pre-meditated murder, and the financial ruin he faces over the trial.

His uncle said he’s taking it one day at a time.

“The family doesn’t deny that Oscar’s legal expenses are massive and that he has sold off some of his investments, including his racehorses,” said the statement. “Oscar will evaluate the cost situation on a day-to-day basis and make decisions as required.”

As initial reports had indicated, it would seem natural to observers that Oscar Pistorius might be suicidal. He has been stuck in many legal battles with the South African court, the latest against bail restrictions he face. Pistorius also fought to obtain bail, and has been staying with his uncle since being released February 22.

Oscar Pistorius claims he mistakenly shot girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in the early morning hours of Valentine’s Day, thinking she was an intruder. He has expressed sorrow for her death.

Last week friends had said that Oscar Pistorius was suicidal over the charges he faces. Mike Azzie, a close friend of the South African sprinter, revealed during a BBC3 documentary, called Oscar Pistorius: What Really Happened?, that his friend has been “a broken man” since the murder of Reeva Steenkamp.