The Most Beautiful Suicide’: The Life and Death of Evelyn McHale : The Hearty Soul

In May 1947, a striking photo captured the attention of many in LIFE magazine. This photo, taken by Robert Wiles, depicted a tragic scene of a young woman named Evelyn McHale lying on a car after committing suicide. The image, known as “The Most Beautiful Suicide,” sparked a mix of reactions, from curiosity about her story to discomfort at the romanticization of such a tragic event.

An Infamous Photo

Evelyn McHale’s story remains shrouded in mystery, with little known about her life or the reasons behind her tragic decision. What we do know is that she jumped from the Empire State Building’s observation deck, becoming the 12th person to do so. Despite her dying wish for privacy, her body was photographed just minutes after her death and widely circulated.

Jumping from the Empire State Building

McHale’s life leading up to her tragic end was marked by challenges and uncertainties. Born in California, she faced a tumultuous childhood before enlisting in the Women’s Army Corps. She met her fiancé, Barry Rhodes, but their plans for marriage were cut short by her untimely death.

Who was Evelyn McHale?

Despite her outward appearance of normalcy, McHale struggled with inner turmoil and self-doubt. Her suicide note, penned before her fateful jump, expressed her desire for privacy in death and her belief that she was not fit to be a wife. Her tragic end at such a young age left many questions unanswered.

Evelyn McHale’s Suicide Note

McHale’s final moments and her poignant suicide note captured the world’s attention, illustrating the internal struggles that can remain hidden behind a facade of normalcy. Her plea for privacy and her haunting words reveal a complex and troubled soul whose story continues to resonate.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please seek help. You are not alone.