VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Editor's Note: If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
The Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD) on Wednesday said the company working to pull the vehicle out of the water at the Oceanfront is delayed again because of weather conditions.
A video of someone driving off the 14th Street Pier is circulating widely on social media and is leaving several unanswered questions.
13News Now has chosen not to share that video, but it has sparked a broader conversation online surrounding mental health.
The VBPD has not shared many details on the investigation, including what led up to the crash. However, it’s an incident that shocked many in Virginia Beach.
"I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe it that somebody could drive through that metal gate like that – through like butter….It's just a sad situation," said Bruce Whitefield, manager of Pier Gift Shop.
Flowers and notes of support now sit on the 14th Street Fishing Pier.
The video posted online prompted hundreds of social media comments.
Kurt Hooks, CEO of the Virginia Beach Psychiatric Center, said that video is a lot to take in.
"It’s a horrifying thing to view," said Hooks.
Hooks said it’s important to take a breath from social media and keep the graphic content away from younger viewers.
"Try to be intentional. Control what you can control," he said.
Before engaging in the dialogue online, Hooks also encourages taking a step back.
"Avoid the temptation to jump into the fray of speculation, again being mindful of we don’t really know what happened and these are people, they have families, this is impacting our community," he explained.
He also said the video has the potential to trigger someone who has previously gone through something traumatic.
If you’re worried about someone close to you, Hooks said don’t be afraid to ask how they’re doing.
"Sometimes people are secretly hoping someone will ask," he said.
Hooks also said to look for major behavior changes.
"It can range from someone become more isolative and withdrawn, sleeping more, becoming kind of more physically restless," he said. "If someone is particularly more sad and depressed, maybe they’re more angry and frustrated or more hostile, big mood swings."
Hooks encourages staying in contact with them, letting them know you care, or directing them to community resources, like the 988 lifeline.