Salt Lake City, Utah – A tragic incident unfolded over the weekend as police responded to a welfare check call at a residence in Salt Lake City. Upon arrival, officers discovered the lifeless bodies of a 34-year-old man identified as Samuel Bean Owen and his 6-year-old child inside the home.
Samuel Bean Owen, a city employee who worked as a policy analyst, was known to many as a friend and colleague, according to Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall. The news of his death sent shockwaves through the City Hall and the broader community.
City officials revealed that a family member had raised concerns prompting the welfare check. The circumstances leading up to the tragic event, as well as when Owen was last seen by family members, remain undisclosed.
Authorities arrived at Owen’s residence near Van Buren Avenue and Main Street late Sunday night, where the grim discovery was made. It was determined that Owen had committed a murder-suicide, taking his son’s life before his own.
Court documents indicated that Owen had recently filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy, with a hearing taking place just two days before the tragic incident. The news of the deaths has deeply impacted the community, with Salt Lake City Police Chief Mike Brown expressing condolences and prayers for all those affected.
Amid the tragedy, resources for suicide prevention have been shared, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or crisis. Various hotlines and crisis intervention services are available for individuals in need of assistance.
The Huntsman Mental Health Institute and other organizations offer a range of programs and services aimed at providing support for those struggling with mental health challenges. Additionally, counties in Utah provide vital services for individuals dealing with mental health and substance abuse disorders, highlighting the importance of seeking help in times of need.