Adam Hill confirms he attempted suicide, says he wants to return ‘to the job I love’
Newly reelected San Luis Obispo County Supervisor Adam Hill broke his nearly monthlong silence Monday and confirmed to The Tribune that he attempted suicide earlier this month.
He also acknowledged an FBI investigation and said he plans to return to work.
It was his second public statement since he was taken to the hospital March 11 — the same day the FBI conducted a search of Hill’s office at the County Government Center and a Pismo Beach residence that is believed to be Hill’s, though the FBI has not confirmed that.
Hill’s wife, Dee Torres-Hill, emailed the statement to an editor of The Tribune in response to the most recent request for comment.
Here is Hill’s complete statement:
“In the weeks leading up to Election Day, I fell into a bad episode of depression, culminating in an attempt to end my life. At this time, I appreciate your respect for my privacy and your understanding.
“I’ll have more to say later, but right now my main focus is on restoring my health so I can return to the job I love.
‘I cannot comment on pending confidential investigations by the FBI except to say that we are cooperating fully with their inquiries and will provide news when we can.
“With COVID-19 consuming our daily routine, I’m grateful for the outstanding work our county staff is doing and am humbled by the people of San Luis Obispo County and their efforts to help one another get through this crisis.
“In situations like this, it’s easy to become isolated and suffused with anxiety. It can take a toll.
“Please look out for each other. Especially those who are most vulnerable. These are demanding times.”
Hill narrowly won his bid for reelection in March following a brutal campaign that included a number of allegations against him, among them that he sent vulgar, threatening emails to a talk radio host and exhibited sexually inappropriate behavior with Cal Poly students when he was an instructor there, an accusation that was based on student reviews on a rate-my-professor site. Cal Poly administration said it never received any complaints about Hill.
The subject of the FBI investigation has not yet been made public.
Hill, who is board chairman this year, has not attended any meetings since his hospitalization. That’s fueled speculation about whether he planned to return and, if not, how he would be replaced.
Hill’s only other statement this month was a brief message issued jointly by Hill and Torres-Hill to thank voters for reelecting him.
Other than that, Hill has not responded to requests for comment since February, including on the eve of Election Day March 3.
Hill has talked publicly about his struggle with depression in the past. At one point in recent years, he took a leave of absence to step back from his duties and seek treatment. He did not say why he attempted to kill himself.
How to help someone in crisis
Public health data show the suicide rate in the United States has grown 33% from 1999 through 2017, with a sharp rise for people ages 35 to 54 since 2006, according to an analysis published by American Psychological Association.
It can be a response to a stressful life event, but there are usually multiple causes, including psychiatric illness like untreated depression, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
An estimated 17.3 million adults in the United States had at least one major depressive episode in 2017, more than 7% of the population, according to National Institute of Mental Health.
Here’s how to identify warning signs your friends, family or neighbors may be exhibiting.
Are you personally in crisis? Text HOME to 741741 to reach a live, trained counselor for help.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, help is available.
Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. You can also reach a crisis counselor by online chat at suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat. The person on the other end will listen to you, understand how your problem is affecting you, provide support, and share resources that may be helpful.
This story was originally published March 30, 2020 at 2:26 PM.
