May 27, 2023

School resource deputy talks teen down from Worlds of Fun water tower

Posted May 27, 2023 1:00 AM
Photo Clay Co. Sheriff
Photo Clay Co. Sheriff

KANSAS CITY—A suicidal teen asked for his School Resource Deputy Wednesday night, who was able to talk him safely down from the Worlds of Fun water tower.

Kansas City Missouri Police responded to a call of a teen who ran away just after 9:30p.m, according to a media release from the Clay County Sheriff.

Deputies located him actively climbing the water tower at 5016 N. Bristol. He ascended close to the top, an estimated 115 feet off the ground. The teen said he wanted to speak only with Deputy Jonathan Bransfield, the School Resource Deputy at his middle school.

Kansas City Police called Deputy Bransfield, who arrived about 10:15 p.m.

The teen told Deputy Bransfield he wanted him to come so he could say good-bye and thank him for all he’d done for him. Deputy Bransfield engaged him in conversation about his struggles, and after about 40 minutes, he was able to convince the boy to climb down safely. An ambulance then transported the teen for mental health treatment.