Tommy Hilfiger model and “Yo Momma” host Sam Sarpong apparently committed suicide after jumping off a bridge Tuesday, Ed Winter, spokesman for the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner, confirmed to Us Weekly on Wednesday. Sarpong was 40.
A witness reportedly called police after seeing “a male adult was standing on the outside of the railing of the Colorado Bridge, Pasadena, CA. Numerous police officers and fire fighters responded and closed off the bridge and the area below the bridge from public access. The individual demonstrated suicidal tendencies and members of the Pasadena Police Department Crisis Negotiation Team responded and established dialog with the male, (40 years of age and Pasadena resident)," according to a news release given to HollywoodLife.com from the Pasadena Police Department.
"While conversing with the individual, members of his family arrived and provided background regarding his emotional state. Tragically, after approximately seven hours of communication, the male jumped from the bridge into the Arroyo. He was pronounced deceased by Pasadena Fire Paramedics at 3:52 PM.”
The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner has ruled his death a suicide, with an autopsy pending.
“It is with great sadness that the family of Samuel Sarpong, Jr. must share the news that Sam has passed away,” said his publicist in a statement. “The circumstances surrounding his death are currently under investigation and no additional details are known at this time. Information about final arrangements will be forthcoming. The family appreciates the thoughts prayers and other expressions of sympathy, and request their privacy be respected at this extremely difficult time.”
“[Sarpong] had a pure heart and always went out of his way to help others,” his rep, J.D. Sobol, told Variety. “We will all miss him dearly.”
Sarpong, the brother of popular British TV presenter June Sarpong, had been a sought after model and appeared in campaigns for Hilfiger as well as shows for top designers such as Gucci and Versace.
He also made fashion history by becoming the first black male model to do a Luis Vuitton editorial campaign.
The America-British later branched out into acting where he secured roles in television shows such as Veronica Mars and Bones.
Sarpong is survived by his father, Samuel Sarpong Sr., and his sister, June.
