In Loving Memory of McCullough Pickens (1998–2025) Gone Too Soon, Never Forgotten
BRUNSWICK, GA — A wave of sorrow has swept through the Brunswick community following the tragic death of McCullough Pickens, age 27, who passed away this week in what authorities have described as an apparent suicide. The heartbreaking incident occurred on the Sidney Lanier Bridge in Glynn County, one of the area’s most iconic landmarks and now the setting of an unfathomable loss.
According to local law enforcement, emergency services were dispatched to the bridge earlier this week after receiving reports that a man had jumped into the water from the bridge. Responders immediately launched search and rescue efforts in coordination with marine units and the U.S. Coast Guard. Sadly, those efforts confirmed the identity of the individual as McCullough Pickens, a well-known and beloved member of the Brunswick community.
A Life Remembered
McCullough, often affectionately called “Mac” by friends and loved ones, was a young man full of promise, complexity, and compassion. At just 27, he had already left an indelible mark on those who knew him — not through grand displays, but through his quiet strength, genuine kindness, and thoughtful nature.
He was known for his sharp intellect, quick wit, and deep empathy — traits that made him a cherished friend, son, brother, and confidant. To many, he was the person you called when you needed someone to listen, someone who would truly understand. To know McCullough was to be seen, heard, and cared for.
Growing up in Brunswick, McCullough attended local schools, was active in his church youth group, and later pursued studies that reflected his passion for understanding the world and helping others. Friends describe him as someone who found joy in meaningful conversations, in quiet moments by the marshes, and in the company of those he held dear. He had a soul that felt deeply — and while that depth was a gift, it could also be a burden.
The Weight of Unseen Struggles
While his loss has left those who loved him stunned and shattered, it also reminds us of an all-too-common truth: many people carry emotional pain we cannot see. Mental health struggles, though often hidden behind smiles and strength, are real and powerful. McCullough’s passing is not a reflection of weakness, but of the profound inner battles that so many quietly face every day.
His death has sparked heartfelt conversations throughout Glynn County and beyond — in churches, in classrooms, on social media — as people try to come to terms with the pain of losing someone so vibrant and so loved. Many are turning their grief into calls for awareness, action, and greater support for mental health resources in coastal Georgia.
A Call for Compassion and Connection
As we grieve the loss of McCullough Pickens, let us also honor his memory by being more open, more compassionate, and more attentive to one another. Let us speak about mental health without shame, and offer spaces where people feel safe asking for help.
To those who are struggling, please know: you are not alone. There is help. There is hope. And there are people who care.
If you or someone you love is experiencing emotional distress, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, any time, day or night.
Celebrating McCullough’s Life
Plans for a memorial service and celebration of life will be announced in the coming days. The Pickens family has asked for privacy during this time of immense grief but expressed their heartfelt thanks to all who have reached out in support. They encourage those who knew McCullough to honor his legacy by performing acts of kindness in his memory and by checking in on friends and loved ones — especially the ones who seem “okay.”
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in McCullough’s name to organizations that support mental health awareness, suicide prevention, and youth counseling services in the Brunswick area.
A Final Farewell
Though the Sidney Lanier Bridge now carries the weight of sorrow, it also stands tall — a symbol of endurance and connection. And just like the bridge, McCullough’s memory will endure: in stories shared, in tears shed, in lives touched, and in hearts forever changed.
Rest peacefully, McCullough.
