'Four people have now died at Library of Birmingham since it opened - I've dealt with every fall'

Four people have died in suicides and falls from the Library of Birmingham - sparking fresh concerns over its design, an inquest heard. Negash Masho Abdelkadar was the latest fatality as he climbed over a barrier and likely slipped while trying to attach a flag.

Members of the public watched from a window bench inside the library as he fell 40ft on August 5. The 58-year-old, a father-of-three from the US, suffered traumatic injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

His death was ruled as accidental at Birmingham Coroner's Court. In a statement read to Mr Abdelkadar's inquest, the library's facility and systems manager said: "There have now been four suicides [or deaths] at the Library of Birmingham. I have dealt personally with all of those incidents."

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Lee Mills' role centred around emergencies and usually involved fire alerts, the court heard, but he had dealt with four deaths, and more attempted suicides, since it opened in 2013. In 2017, he led on a report with the council to try to design out risks and make the building safer.

In 2019, the Samaritans provided training to staff on how to approach mental health situations. His statement continued: "This allowed us to address situations. There have been other possible suicide attempts, where they have been successfully engaged with."

But after the death of Mr Abdelkadar, staff were "looking again at the issue that occurred at the Library." They hoped to commission a further report to "mitigate against the risk of future suicides" and "design out the risks," the inquest was told.

"This will allow the council to decide which further actions it wishes to take in light of that report," Mr Mills added.

After the inquest, a spokesperson for Birmingham City Council told BirminghamLive: “A small number of potential suicide attempts have been prevented by staff as a result of their training. These individuals have been referred to the emergency services accordingly where further professional support has then been provided to help them.

Where to get help if you're feeling suicidal

Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.

Childline (0800 1111) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.

Other depression charities

Mind is a mental health charity that offers information, support and resources for those that are struggling. They also offer help for young people and those supporting someone in their life with mental health struggles. Call Mind info line on 0300 123 3393.

Shout 85258 is a free, confidential, anonymous mental health text support service. Texting the word 'SHOUT' to 85258 will start a conversation with a trained Shout volunteer, who will text you back and forth.

Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org

There are other depression charities and support you can access. If you are seriously concerned, please call 999.

“The council has approved the commissioning of a report to assess what more can be done to prevent future incidents.” The building welcomes up to 4,000 visitors daily, with even more while the German Markets are on.

It is covered by around 200 cameras in its CCTV, including some which captured Mr Abdelkadar's final moments. Recalling the incident, Mr Mills said: "At 1.15pm I was informed a person had fallen and hit the ground in front of the main library doors. We were already receiving reports from members of the public.

"On-site control officers in turn called for emergency services. Security officers were at the scene almost immediately. An off-duty doctor was able to give assistance. He was still breathing but clearly very badly injured at this point. At 1.22pm the first police responders arrived, followed by paramedics.

"The individual who fell was a black male and it was clear he had suffered very serious injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene soon after their arrival." The Library was cordoned off by police and a scene was erected.

The court heard Mr Abdelkadar, who had been refused aslyum in the UK, climbed over a barrier and was likely trying to attach a flag to the outside of the library when he slipped. He was found with the flag which read "liberty without justice is slavery." Mr Mills said: "He appeared to slip and fall immediately at that point it appears he loses his footing. I assume his foot slipped off.

"Members of the public said they saw him fall past the window benching. He appears to have hit part of the façade." He called Mr Abdelkadar climbing over the railing a "deliberate act." Assistant coroner Rebecca Ollivere concluded he died as a result of an accidental fall as she ruled out suicide.

Why journalists cover inquests

Journalists are always allowed to go to inquests and are allowed to report anything which is said in court. Many journalists report inquests as part of the principle of ‘open justice’.

The purpose of open justice and reporting from inquests is to: make sure that the public understands the reasons why someone has died, make sure that deaths are not kept secret, draw attention to circumstances which may lead to more deaths or injuries and to prevent this from happening and clear up any rumours or suspicion about the death.

She said: "Suicide should never be assumed. I must consider what was in his mind at the time he climbed over the balcony. I have no doubt he climbed over the barrier deliberately.

"Negash had taken off his coat and bag, but kept the flag with him. This is believed to be significant. The CCTV shows him slip between the barrier.

"I can say that, on the balance of probabilities, in my judgement it is more likely he was attempting to attach the flag to the building in an attempt to share his message."

When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. You can call them for free on 116 123, email them at jo@samaritans.org, or visit www.samaritans.org for more information

Have you been affected by this? You can contact us by emailing stephanie.balloo@reachplc.com.