An Olive Garden cook was rushed to hospital after diving head first into a deep fryer in what authorities have described as a suicide attempt. The chaotic scene reportedly left several employees in visible distress as they attempted to assist before first responders arrived.
The incident, which occurred on January 30, unfolded inside the Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Olive Garden kitchen and resulted in the unidentified man suffering severe burn injuries. Multiple staff members placed calls for help within moments of the incident, according to authorities.
Emergency services were called to the Olive Garden around 4 p.m. after witnesses saw the employee undress and attempt to harm himself in the kitchen.
In dispatch audio obtained by The Smoking Gun, the operator can be heard saying: “I don’t have a lot of details, lot of people screaming, some kind of a burn victim.” The dispatcher added that “a male victim went head first into the fryers.” The recording captured the confusion inside the restaurant as emergency responders were initially unsure how many people were injured.
A spokesperson for Lycoming County fire and emergency medical services confirmed to Newsweek that the incident took place but did not share any further details.
Trooper Lauren Lesher, a Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) spokesperson told Newsweek: “This incident is classified as a suicide attempt. Out of respect for the individual and their family, information is not released. This is the same practice for any suicide or suicide attempt incident that occurs.”
Police said additional details were being withheld to protect the worker’s identity. The cook was rushed to hospital with severe burn injuries, but authorities have not released any further updates.
Newsweek reached out to Olive Garden via email for comment.
Suicide remains a major public health crisis in the United States. According to the CDC, more than 49,000 people died by suicide in 2023, making it one of the leading causes of death nationwide.
While provisional CDC data shows a slight decline in 2024—dropping to about 48,800 deaths, or 13.7 per 100,000 people—rates have generally risen over the last two decades and remain at historically high levels.
The restaurant was closed for several days after the incident, but has since reopened.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988, text “988” to the Crisis Text Line at 741741 or go to 988lifeline.org
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