Suicide witnessed by some in Bailey Canyon Sierra Madre

On Sunday last week Bailey Canyon hikers were witness to a human tragedy sadly not uncommon I our complex world. A middle aged man, apparently a local resident and pilot, took a single gunshot wound to the head. Larry Gianneone, Sierra Madre’s Chief of Police issued the following press release after the incident.

“The Sierra Police Department is currently assisting with an investigation into the death of a 53 yr. old male at Bailey Canyon Park. Officers were dispatched to the area after several people reported a gunshot victim at the location. Upon the officers arrival at the scene they found the victim in the picnic area being treated by a doctor who was in the area. Paramedics arrived on scene and pronounced the victim dead. A weapon was recovered at the scene and at this time it is being investigated as a suicide. Police Chief Giannone said “this was an unfortunate tragedy for our community. The park was filled with visitors and hikers, several who witnessed this tragic incident”. The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification to next of kin.”

The Los Angeles County Department of Coroner reported Monday that James Charles Cummiskey, 54, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound around 12:30 p.m. Sunday.
Cummiskey was found with a firearm near his body and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.
Major James C. Cummiskey was a prior enlisted Marine with over twelve years commissioned service as an infantry officer. He was assigned as the Executive Officer of the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines (Reinforced), headquartered at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, 29 Palms, California. At the time of his experience in Kuwait, he was the commanding officer of Golf Company, 2d Battalion, 7th Marines.

-Courtesy Photo

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