Suicide

Services are today (July 26, 1988) in New York for Carter Cooper, 23, son of Gloria Vanderbilt, who jumped to his death Friday.

Vanderbilt, 64, great-great granddaughter of railroad and shipping magnate Cornelius Vanderbilt, was in seclusion Monday after the tragedy.

Cooper jumped from the 14th floor terrace of his mother's Manhattan apartment. Police say his mother was trying to talk him out of it when he pushed off from a ledge.

Friends say he was disconsolate after breaking up with a girlfriend months ago.

Friday afternoon, Cooper went to his mother's penthouse apartment to have lunch with her, according to police.

After taking a nap, Cooper reportedly stumbled into his mother's bedroom, muttering "What's it all about?" Then he ran to her terrace.

Vanderbilt was trying to restrain him when he jumped. We know the answer to young Carter's question. Too bad somebody didn't tell him.

-From USA TODAY, July 26, 1988