Dad, brother of Navy veteran sue VA over his suicide

August 20, 2011 in City
Dad, brother of Navy veteran sue VA over his suicide
Kevin Graman The Spokesman-Review

The father and brother of a Navy veteran who killed himself three years ago are suing the federal government, alleging negligence by the Spokane Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

The death of Lucas Senescall, 26, on July 7, 2008, came amid a spike in the number of suicides by Spokane-area veterans.

From July 2007 to July 2008, 21 veterans in the Spokane VA service area killed themselves, including 14 who’d had contact with the medical center, according to Department of Veterans Affairs records.

Senescall, who had a history of mental health problems, sought help from the medical center’s behavioral health unit before returning to his Spokane home and hanging himself.

Steve Senescall accompanied his son to the medical center that day and witnessed Lucas’ interaction with VA staff members. The veteran’s brother, Jake Senescall, discovered his body.
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