The 911 tapes released from the day of Raymond Zack’s slow-motion suicide by drowning off Crown Point State Beach (the BANG newspapers have them here), coupled with a photo by Amy Gahran at Oakland Local of first responders standing around on shore with hands in pockets, speak volumes. Excerpts:
11:30 a.m.: Zack’s stepmother, Dolores Berry, to Alameda police dispatcher: “He’s way out in the water right now.”
“Hurry up. He’s way out there.”
“He doesn’t swim. Please hurry.”
12:07 p.m.: Alameda police officer to dispatch: “He’s no longer above water and he’s too far out for us to reach him.”
12:27 p.m.: Alameda police officer to dispatch: “We got a volunteer who’s going into the water to do the recovery.”
12:28 p.m.: Be advised that the civilian is bringing the subject in.”
12:37 p.m.: Zack taken to hospital,, pronounced dead.
Image: Amy Gahran, Oakland Local
