The Kurt Cobain Suicide Crisis: Perspectives From Research, Public Health, and the News Media

The suicide of rock star Kurt Cobain raised concerns about copycat suicides among youth. An overview of Cobain’s life & death is presented & various crisis centre & community-based interventions that occurred are discussed. The suggested “Werther effect” did not occur in the Seattle area but there was a significant increase in suicide crisis calls after his death. The Cobain suicide & the role of the media on copycat suicide are further discussed from a public health & newsmedia perspective.