Renowned Medical 'Detective' David Shaffer Passes Away at 87
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The New York Times
Dr. David Shaffer, a psychiatrist and epidemiologist, who dedicated his career to studying children and teenagers who died by suicide, has passed away at the age of 87. He conducted groundbreaking investigations known as "psychological autopsies" that challenged the prevailing belief that youth suicide was random and unpredictable. His research identified key characteristics and risk factors associated with suicide, leading to the development of prevention and screening programs that are now widely used. Dr. Shaffer's work transformed the understanding and approach to suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and mental health treatment.