Evelyn McHale, The Leaper
What an amazingly powerful photograph this is.
A picture of a suicide, it was taken by Robert C. Miles in 1947 and has appeared in numerous publications over the years.
It shows the body of Evelyn McHale, 23, atop a limousine after she jumped to her death from the observation platform of the Empire State Building. This heartbroken woman had left her fiancée and jumped from 86 floors up after leaving a crossed-out note saying that she wouldn’t be able to make anyone a good wife.
Look at how peaceful and poised she is. White gloves, legs crossed at the ankles. Somehow, she managed to clear the building and the sidewalk, and land perfectly on her back on top of a limousine waiting at the curb. Look at the condition of the car and then her. After falling 1000 feet, how did she end up as unblemished as she did.
An incredible and moving image.
It’s one that I find myself identifying with lately through my desire to put an end to the old me; the one that held my true self hidden and in check; the one that prevented me from having a deep connection to my One, and from being the husband to TDL that I’ve always wanted to be.
For me, this photo isn’t about the end. It’s all about the beginning. Life after death.
A good place to be.
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