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| Bailey Canyon Park |
Sierra Madre shooting confirmed as suicide - Families with small children picnicking at Bailey Canyon Park in Sierra Madre were interrupted Sunday afternoon by the sound of a single gunshot.
The Los Angeles County Department of Coroner reported Monday that James Charles Cummiskey, 54, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound around 12:30 p.m.
Cummiskey was found with a firearm close to his body and pronounced dead at the scene, said Lt. Fred Corrall of the coroner’s office.
Neighbors and parkgoers were disturbed by the public death.
“The guy didn’t crawl off into someplace quiet. He went and did it right in the picnic area in front of other people,” said John Crawford, who lives two houses away from the park. “The park was taped off and closed for investigation up until (Monday) morning.”
Cummiskey was an airline transport-certified pilot, the highest possible certification, according to Ian Gregor of the Federal Aviation Administration’s regional office.
The administration’s records show Cummiskey, who lived in Sierra Madre, was honored in September with inclusion in the prestigious FAA Airmen Certification Database.
Mod: A press release from the Sierra Madre Police Department on Sunday, along with an accompanying update on the Sierra Madre News.net site (link), described the tragedy this way:
Death Investigation at Bailey Canyon Park - The Sierra Police Department is currently assisting with an investigation into the death of a 53 yr. old male at Bailey Canyon Park. Officers were dispatched to the area after several people reported a gunshot victim at the location. Upon the officers arrival at the scene they found the victim in the picnic area being treated by a doctor who was in the area.
Paramedics arrived on scene and pronounced the victim dead. A weapon was recovered at the scene and at this time it is being investigated as a suicide. Police Chief Giannone said “this was an unfortunate tragedy for our community. The park was filled with visitors and hikers, several who witnessed this tragic incident”.
The Los Angeles County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene and took over the investigation. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification to next of kin. Shortly after we received the above press release, the City tweeted: “Bailey Canyon Park will remain closed the rest of the day. The area will reopen tomorrow morning. We appreciate the Community’s cooperation as the Police Department continues their investigation.”
Mod: An article about Cummiskey's FAA designation appeared in an aviation related publication called The Primary Post (link). The date of this article is Sept 18, 2013.
FAA recognizes James Charles Cummiskey ... Sierra Madre-based pilot sets positive example - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is recognizing James Charles Cummiskey with inclusion in the prestigious FAA Airmen Certification Database.
The database, which appears on the agency's website at www.faa.gov, names Cummiskey and other certified pilots who have met or exceeded the high educational, licensing and medical standards established by the FAA.
Pilot certification standards have evolved over time in an attempt to reduce pilot errors that lead to fatal crashes. FAA standards, which are set in consultation with the aviation industry and the public, are among the highest in the world.
Transportation safety experts strongly recommend against flying with an uncertified pilot. FAA pilot certification can be the difference between a safe flight and one that ends in tragedy.
The FAA recently announced that is it increasing the qualification requirements for co-pilots who fly for U.S. passenger and cargo airlines. These requirements mandate additional minimum flight time and training, as well as aircraft specific training.
"Safety will be my overriding priority as Secretary, so I am especially pleased to mark my first week by announcing a rule that will help us maintain our unparalleled safety record," said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx in a press release. "We owe it to the traveling public to have only the most qualified and best trained pilots."
Additional - Linkherefor more information uncovered by today's 2nd commenter. Alsohere. The "James Cummiskey Biography" has a lot of additional insight. Another found article - link - may also be related.
Mod: Hopefully now that the victim's identity is out the City will share what it knows with us.
http://sierramadretattler.blogspot.com
