Georgetown VFW Post wants to help create memorial for veteran who jumped from county bridge

GEORGETOWN, S.C. (WBTW) — The VFW Post 6444 in Georgetown says it wants to try and help a family whose son jumped off the L.H. Siau Memorial Bridge Sunday night.

The veterans organization said it found out Shawn Lauver, 37, of Bolivia, North Carolina, served in the military and wants to work with the family and city to create a memorial. VFW leaders said too many veterans turn to suicide.

“I know it sounds intense, but people are there,” said Karen Collins, chaplain and junior vice commander for the VFW post.

Before Lauver jumped off the bridge, an incident report from the Georgetown County Sheriff’s Office said he told a witness that he was drunk and not going to jail. Authorities recovered his body in the Waccamaw River on Tuesday.

Now, the VFW post in Georgetown wants to work with the family to create a plaque or sign to put on the bridge and remember him.

“I know they’re grieving,” Collins said. “So much has happened. I can’t imagine. So I’m hopeful, you know, in the next few days and weeks, we’ll be able to have the conversation.”

Collins reached out to News13 to help get connected with the family. Many veterans unfortunately struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and suicidal thoughts after their military service, she said.

During her own service, Collins said she would speak to active-duty service members about mental health. However, it’s a tough topic because of the stigma.

“Are you thinking of hurting yourself?” Collins asked. “Well, to them, ‘no, I’m not. I’m going to be in a better place.’ You know, all the things we say to get around asking that question, are you thinking of killing yourself?”

If you know a veteran, Collins said it’s important to talk to them because one conversation could be what stops them from impacting their life and their loved one’s lives.

She said from the situation involving Lauver she has taken away to be kind and give grace to people because you never know what someone’s going through.

“There is a message behind tragedy, and unfortunately it sometimes takes a tragedy to get that message out and to encourage people to listen,” Collins said.

Both the VFW and News13 have tried reaching out to the family but have not heard back.

Collins said if you’re a veteran who is struggling, it’s important to know that there are resources out there and that you won’t be judged and are not alone.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health crisis and thinking about suicide, the 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Just dial 988 or click here .

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