Cornell putting nets over gorges to stop suicides

(AP) ITHACA, N.Y. - Cornell University in New York plans to begin installing nets on several bridges over gorges where three students jumped to their deaths in 2010.

The Ithaca Journal reports that the town of Ithaca and the Ivy League school have reached an agreement that calls for installing nets on five bridges.

The three students committed suicide by jumping from bridges within a month of each other. According to the newspaper, 27 people committed suicide between 1990 and 2010 by jumping from the bridges, including 15 students.

The school has long been haunted by a reputation for suicides. Cornell maintains its suicide rate over time is normal for colleges.

Fences were erected after the 2010 suicides.

Some nets will extend about 15 feet out from the bridges. Installation is to start Monday.