Seinfeld Star Daniel von Bargen Hospitalized After Failed Suicide Attempt
Email
(Zuma)
Daniel von Bargen, perhaps best known as Mr. Kruger on “Seinfeld”, was hospitalized this week after shooting himself in the head in a botched suicide attempt.
The Montgomery, Ohio, resident shot himself in the temple with a Colt 38 gun on Monday. He called Hamilton County 911 after his attempt failed.
According to the call, Von Bargen shot himself to avoid going to the hospital. After the dispatcher asked if the shooting was accidental, von Bargen responded, ” No, I was supposed to go to the hospital today, didn’t want to … well, I shot myself.” Von Bargen is a diabetic and was supposed to have two of his toes amputated that day.
The harrowing call was caught on tape.
One can hear Von Bargen painfully describing as he explained to the dispatcher what happened.
“Yes, I shot myself in the head and, uhh, I need help,” he said.
Unable to open his eyes or move to open his door, he was able to stay on the phone until police and fire officials arrived at his home five minutes after he called 911. Apparently worried that Von Bargen may have other weapons around, police can be heard yelling at Von Bargen to stay still and keep his hands where they could see them.
According to Montgomery Police Srgt. Greg Vondenbenken, Von Bargen was “seriously injured.” They took him to Bethesda North hospital, where Vondenbenken says that his condition is improving.
Celebrities with 'Sole' 
Robin Thicke's Advice for Aspiring Musicians 
RSS
Twitter
Facebook
Hope he gets the psychiatric help he needs. So incredibly sad.
Posted by: michelle | February 22, 2012, 6:17 pm 6:17 pm
What a great character actor…I really liked his performance on Malcolm in the Middle. Diabetes is an extremely difficult disease to deal with…sometimes you must deal with the inevetible realities. Current medical technology is more driven by profit than by conquering this disease. Keep your judgments to yourself about Daniel’s motivations until you have had to face these troubles yourself. Hang in there Daniel…we need to keep talented people such as yourself.
Posted by: sciguy67 | February 22, 2012, 9:45 pm 9:45 pm
I thank god you didn’t succeed. I know you’re so hurting emotionally and physically right now, but you’ve brought so much joy to others with your amazing talent. Please don’t leave us. Get the help you need and get well soon.
Posted by: SDBarton | February 22, 2012, 9:55 pm 9:55 pm
Ahhh…. I am so sorry he’s sick with diabetes such a horrible disease. I loved him as Kruger, such a beloved character. Bless him because he knows that after the toes it’s the feet, then the legs. It happened to my neighbor. Peace to you my friend.
Posted by: nfission | February 22, 2012, 10:03 pm 10:03 pm
Bless Daniel’s heart. I completely understand someone being incredibly despondent about their health. Diabetes is a wretched disease. It runs in my family. I hope ABC will keep us updated as to his progress. I will be thinking of him.
Posted by: Chris | February 23, 2012, 12:28 am 12:28 am
Wow, I live 15 minutes away from there and I had no idea he lived in the Cincinnati area…
Posted by: MajesticLT03 | February 23, 2012, 1:19 am 1:19 am
Poor thing. Just a page of diabetic instruction. From like Dr Gabe Mirkin.com could of made him happy.
Posted by: Bill | February 23, 2012, 3:06 am 3:06 am
So, when an actor attempts to kill himself over a manageable medical condition, there’s sympathy from all. But, when a gay teen kills himself because he is relentlessly and uncontrollably bullied, the responses are all about how weak he was. Interesting….
Posted by: Working_Class | February 23, 2012, 8:28 am 8:28 am
Hey, Bro! it’s just a couple of toes! I’ll sit next to you and have them cut a couple off my foot to help you get through this if needed. But taking your life for two toes is way over-paying and there’s no way to make change!
Posted by: Bruce | February 23, 2012, 8:49 am 8:49 am
sciguy67….Diabetes is NOT a difficult disease to deal with.
Posted by: Ted | February 23, 2012, 9:15 am 9:15 am
What does a gay teen killing himself have anything to do with an actor that attempted suicide over a disease? How would you know if sympathy was expressed for this teen or not? You’re an idiot.
Posted by: Steve | February 23, 2012, 11:16 am 11:16 am
From one Cincinnatian to another – get well Mr. Von Bargen. You are one of my favorite character actors. You always bring a smile to my face on stage.
Posted by: Pete | February 23, 2012, 11:38 am 11:38 am
Wow, the fact that someone actually sold that 911 call is ridiculous. They should be shot for that. I hope this poor man finds some relief. He has no wife, children, lost a leg and probably another. On top of all that he now has to deal with the embarrassment of knowing his assumingly private call is now everywhere, Not to mention the health issues he will probably face from the gun shot wound. If by some chance he reads this, Theres a reason you lived through all this my friend. Turn to Jesus and he’ll help you find peace and the answers to why you’re still here. You probably have more to do here or possibly another chance to find salvation. Prayers to you my friend. -Matthew 11:28-30
Posted by: Chris | February 23, 2012, 3:57 pm 3:57 pm
This is so tragic.
Regarding the police telling him to keep his hands in sight, this is standard practice at a suicide attempt. They don’t want the person to try to commit “suicide by cop”.
It’s a very common way to kill oneself.
So they weren’t being unkind they were protecting Daniel.
Posted by: Neil | February 23, 2012, 4:39 pm 4:39 pm
Over the loss of two toes? What an idiot.
Posted by: Geoff | February 24, 2012, 3:35 am 3:35 am
@ PETE
SO you don’t mind reading about this and being told the details yet you think the releasing the 911 recording is some sort of mortal sin ? In most if not all states 911 calls are public record and can be requested bye anyone. Its called the real world but you probably cant understand that too well since you have obviously been conditioned bye the closed mindedness of your religion.
Posted by: putting around | February 24, 2012, 7:57 am 7:57 am
@GEOFF
At LEAST 2-3 toes, IN ADDITION to the other LEG, which has ALREADY been amputated.
Very sad, for him, that he is so terribly distraught. Hope he receives the help he needs.
Posted by: MANGO | February 26, 2012, 11:19 am 11:19 am
this will be an unfortunate, but very positive event for his life. i hope he recovers quickly and helps to spread the message about diabetes. i am glad he realized death was not the answer. there are big things to come to this man.
Posted by: leo | February 26, 2012, 12:47 pm 12:47 pm
At some point in time we all look back and wish things would have gone a differently in our lives. You have had a lot of success in your life, much more than many. e proud of what you have accomplished and grateful for what you still have. I am hoping you can see the light beyond this dark place you are in right now. As many are I am on your side and hoping you will realize that you still have so much to live for. You can be the voice and the face for so many who are suffering from diabetes and depression. This can be a new start for you YOU have been given a second chance. I believe we will see even bigger things come from you which make the credits you have earned thus for very small in comparison. Hugs and encouragement to you!!! Mary
Posted by: Mary | February 26, 2012, 2:27 pm 2:27 pm
Well I’ve seen what a suicide attempt/murder attempt in the head can do to a person if it’s botched. He more than likely will be blind if he wasn’t already from the diabetes. He’s more than likely going to lose his eyes too. That’s the harsh reality of it. I doubt anyone will see him on tv for the rest of his life.
If he knew he was going that route (suicidal) he should have gotten himself some help, and cancelled the appointment to get his toes cut off, or just not gone and sought psychiatric help instead.
Yes easier said than done but it depends on your strength and will… when it comes down to it, it shows what kind of person you really are.
Posted by: Sari | February 29, 2012, 8:09 pm 8:09 pm
What a brave man to call in and offer such honesty. It is not okay that this was published though. Why is it public record? I don’t get why 911 calls are publicized. But get better. It is always better to live, even without limbs or eye sight or any other problem. The ability to breathe and experience life in the moment is more than most people allow themselves. Live on brave one, live on for those who can’t!
Posted by: my views | March 6, 2012, 12:25 am 12:25 am