Photo: Wikimedia Commons, via Wikimedia Commons
Notable People · Community memorial
Suicide of Evelyn McHale
September 20, 1923 – May 1, 1947
Subject of iconic suicide photo (1923–1947)
Be the first to light a candle.
Their story
Evelyn Francis McHale was an American bookkeeper who jumped to her death from the 86th-floor observation deck of the Empire State Building. Robert Wiles, a photography student, took a picture of her corpse where it lay on top of a crushed car. The photograph was republished around the world and led Time magazine to call it "the most beautiful suicide". It inspired Andy Warhol, among other artists.
Important dates
- Birthday · September 20
- Anniversary · May 1
Latest lights & memories
lit with love around the world
No memories have been shared yet. Light a candle and be the first to leave one.
Others we remember
Are you family, a foundation or an official representative?
Request to manage or verify this memorial. Verified memorials are marked and their content is maintained with the family or estate.