An Oak Harbor family and the entire community was stricken by tragedy Thursday when a 17-year-old high school boy jumped to his death from the Deception Pass Bridge.

A sad side-effect of the beautiful bridge situated 180-feet above the treacherous waters of Deception Pass is its attraction to people who are depressed. Law enforcement veterans who have dealt with people who attempt suicide there say there’s something about the beauty that attracts them, as if it’s a special place to end it all.

Many people have ended — or tried to end — their lives at Deception Pass Bridge. A woman jumped to her death just last December. Sheriff Mike Hawley said after a suicide in 2001 that his office is contacted about once a week by someone who fears a loved one may be going to the bridge to jump off, or by someone at the bridge concerned that a person there is thinking of jumping.

There is no way to make the bridge suicide-proof short of ringing it with wire and destroying its scenic beauty. But we can’t help but wonder if methods might be found to make people think twice before jumping. Sheriff’s deputies and State Patrol troopers frequently talk people out of jumping, so they are open to reason and suggestion even at that desperate point in their lives.

Perhaps a group of law enforcement officials, mental health experts and Department of Transportation representatives could come up with some suicide prevention ideas at the bridge, such as warning signs or emergency telephones. It would have to be discreet and affordable, but enough to let desperate people know that they’re not alone and help is available.

We all share some responsibility for these tragedies if we make no effort to stop them.