Troubled doctor's life ends in suicide
Monday, February 25, 2008 5:33 AM PST
By Leslie Slape
lslape@tdn.com
Printable version
E-mail this articleA Longview podiatrist who was charged with stealing and selling high-priced racing bikes killed himself Friday night at St. John Medical Center.
According to a Longview police report, Jacob Jonathan Bos, 35, was discovered dead around 6 a.m. Saturday in his seventh-floor room in the hospital's psychiatric ward.
Cowlitz County Coroner Tim Davidson said the cause of death was suicide by hanging. Bos died about 9 p.m. Friday, Davidson said.
Bos was admitted to St. John on Feb. 7 after an attempt to kill himself, that time by overdose, the police report said. On Jan. 22, after he was questioned by Seattle police, he cut his forearm and tried to drive his car into the Kalama River.
A St. John spokesman said Sunday he could not comment on the hospital's procedure with patients who have exhibited suicidal behavior.
One of the two certified nurses assistants who found his body told police she last saw Bos alive at 8 p.m. Friday when he went to bed. She said she checked on Bos every 30 minutes by opening his door and shining a flashlight on his bed, but she did not touch him. She said he appeared to be in bed under the covers, but in fact the bed contained an arrangement of pillows and blankets to look like a person - a ruse she did not discover until 6 a.m. Saturday when she went to awaken him, the report said.
The nurse's assistant told police she searched the room, and when she failed to find Bos she got another nurse's assistant to help her look. They found him in the bathroom with a leather belt around his neck, the report said.
Bos was out on $5,500 bail awaiting trial in Cowlitz County Superior Court on nine counts of first-degree possession of stolen property and three counts of trafficking in stolen property.
Bos, an avid biker who belonged to a racing club, was accused of stealing racing bikes worth thousands of dollars each from the Seattle-Tacoma area, Portland area and in Utah beginning in early 2007. Seattle police and the Longview Street Crimes Unit, which investigated the case, said he sold some of the bikes.
Dealers in bicycle shops told investigators that a man they described as knowledgeable about bikes would come in, take a high-end bike on a test ride and never return. He generally left something behind, such as a wallet or his clothes (when he changed into biking gear), as insurance. The manager of a shop in Portland that was hit in July said when they opened the wallet the man left behind, it was empty.
But it was a Tully's coffee cup that Bos left at a bike store in Seattle that helped police solve the case. DNA analysis linked the cup to Bos, and he was arrested in January.
Bos, a native of Utah, had a degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine and a residency at a top hospital in Columbus, Ohio, according to the application he submitted for a podiatrist license.
What?! wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:01 AM:
" Why the heck did a mental patient still have his leather belt???!
Can you say lawsuit? Sure you can. "
Can you say lawsuit? Sure you can. "
Dave Jones wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:05 AM:
" nice job, media vultures. your voyeuristic coverage of this minor crime surely made things worse for this guy, not better. hope you sleep well. "
Former News guy. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:22 AM:
" To Dave Jones,
Why is the media at fault for reporting the facts? Are you not responsible for your own actions? Must we always blame others for our own predicament? Your comments reflect the problems many have in society. The inability to be responsible for ones self. It's always easier to blame others isnt it? "
Why is the media at fault for reporting the facts? Are you not responsible for your own actions? Must we always blame others for our own predicament? Your comments reflect the problems many have in society. The inability to be responsible for ones self. It's always easier to blame others isnt it? "
Don't blame the media wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:38 AM:
" Don't be blaming the media for this... "minor crime" for you maybe... but not for his victims. If you're going to point your finger at what everyone else did or didn't do, look down and see how many you have pointing back at yourself. Perhaps it is your own guilt that pushes you to blame everyone else. Doctors don't commit suicide as a result of being caught for a "minor crime". "
FORMER PATIENT wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:48 AM:
" DESPITE WHAT HE DID HE STILL WAS A REALLY GOOD DOCTOR AND VERY NICE. IT IS A SHAME THAT HE GOT CAUGHT UP IN ALL THAT MESS. "
suicide in family wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:59 AM:
" If a person is bent on suicide there is nothing that can be done about it. They will succeed. It's those that tell others that they are considering it that may be able to be helped. Two prior attempts are loud and clear cries that this guy wanted help. I have had experience with two suicides by people that I knew very well and both were facing legal [molestation]charges. I have to believe that fear of going to prison and being guilty led to both instances of these two men taking their own lives. I have a feeling that heads are going to roll as far as the belt is concerned and they should. "
Re Dave Jones wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:05 AM:
" Minor crime? Racing bikes can be in the thousands and are worth more than some cars. Stealing a car car is not a minor offense.
"
"
RE: What?! wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:10 AM:
" Maybe you're not exactly sure what you're talking about. Even if the man didn't have his belt, he would've found some other way to do it! Sheets and hospital gowns can easily be ripped and torn. If you want to die, you're going to do it no matter what people try to do to stop you. Obviously, since he arranged the blankets to make it look like he was there, he didn't want to be found until he was dead. His intent was to die. If he wanted it that badly, don't you think he would've found another way even if he didn't have the belt? "
Re-Dave wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:15 AM:
" Since when did 10s of thousands of dollars in property crime become a minor offense? Personally I think the media does everyone a service for keeping us informed of these things.
My sympathies go to those that cared for him but everyone is responsible for their own actions. "
My sympathies go to those that cared for him but everyone is responsible for their own actions. "
Lesson for all wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:16 AM:
" What a sad situation. For those looking to blame anyone there is only on person to blame and that would be the unfortunate victim. He obviously made some very poor choices and was not able to cope with having to face the consequences. My heart truly aches for his family and friends as suicide is never easy to deal with. Please don't blame as he had already made 2 attempts and was determined to end his life for what ever reasons he felt that was the only way out. Let us all learn from this and try to support and comfort those that need it. "
Reader wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:28 AM:
" I must echo both thoughts previously expressed. A leather belt, and just peeking in on a suicidal patient. Both sad and irresponsible mistakes. And the theft of a high price racing bike is not a minor crime. My sympathies to the friends and family of this troubled soul. "
What Supervision? wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:33 AM:
" Somebody need to explain how one can kill himself, under mental ward supervision - specially this person tried unsuccessfully twice to do the same. Where is care and supervision? I expect better from our only hospital in Longview. "
stop wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:52 AM:
" all my thoughts and prayers go to his family..I konw he had kids "
Blame game wrote on Feb 25, 2008 9:57 AM:
" Lets blame the hospital and the news media for all the poor choices people make. NOT "
Why does everyone always have to blame someone wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:19 AM:
" Have any of you commenting and blaming others work or have worked in Psych?? When someone is that distraught they will find a way of ending the pain no matter where they are~ they will not lead on their true intent and will make themselves appear better than they are. I feel for the employees of PeaceHealth they are in that business to help people and part of that is dignity and respect, do you beileve they should harrass a patient by waking them up every few minutes and taking away the person consitutional rights. Policy and procedures are in place and I am sure followed....but I know its is easier for people to point the finger instead of supporting our community. "
:( wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:25 AM:
" It's really sad that so many of you are focusing on the crime instead of the loss of a life. Family and friends and children of this guy are really hurting here and all that some of you care about is the bike thefts. Yes, theft of anything in any amount is wrong! But I hardly think that the cost of the loss from the thefts can in any way add up to the loss of a life and the pain that it has caused. "
RE- :( wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:39 AM:
" Same person is responsible for both scenarios. Simple truth!!! "
1st of the month wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:57 AM:
" Im tired of all the people who write in to TDN putting the blame on the Government, cops, St. John, and so on for others problems and actions. How many of these people are at home sitting on their back side eating McDonalds, having a smoke and waiting for their SSI check to come. I guess if you have never taken personal responibility for yourself, its easy to blog all day about how "the man" is not taking care of everyone else. "
RE: RE::( wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:08 AM:
" I never argued the fact that he was responsible for both scenarios. But, what's more important, the loss of the bikes and money (material things), or the loss of a father, a son, a brother, A PERSON?
Get Real! "
Get Real! "
feel bad for the family wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:12 AM:
" The fact that Jacob Bos committed some major crimes before taking his own life does NOT make his final act less painful for his family. (Funny thing about sons and brothers and daddies, you love them even when they do bad, stupid stuff that hurts or embarrasses you.) It's obvious that he had some serious, ongoing mental health issues. His crimes were probably only a small part of his problems. People with healthy minds don't kill themselves because they got caught stealing. "
TDN reader wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:12 AM:
" I thought responsible journalists did not print the cause of death when there was a suicide. How unfortunate for the family that this got printed. My prayers are for the family. "
Methtown ex-pat wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:44 AM:
" This poor soul's life is an apt metaphore for a dysfunctional community that kills itself, one at a time, with meth, alcohol and depression. There are places in the world where incarseration and rehab are not the dominant industries.
"
"
Truth is... wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:54 AM:
" He chose to become a criminal and he chose to end his life instead of face the consequences once he was caught. There is no one to blame in this situation except for Bos himself. Poor life choices do have a way of catching up with you. It's too bad for his family that he leaves them with so much emotional stuff to deal with now. Selfish. "
Another former patient. wrote on Feb 25, 2008 11:59 AM:
" I too was a former patient of Dr. Bos and can also testify that his office demeanor was wonderful. Very smart, knowledgeable, and pleasant. All was obviously not as it appeared from a simple office visit, and while I agree with the people who state his thefts were not a minor crime, I think the previous poster may have been trying to say that in comparison with this outcome, the crimes were minor. There were obviously better paths for Dr. Bos to take and it is so sad that his young, promising life had to come to an end this way. My sincerest sympathy and prayers are with his family, friends, and co-workers at this difficult time. "
Someone Else wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:05 PM:
" This is a sad tragedy no matter what your perspective is. My prayers and condolances go out to the grieving family and friends. "
Kelso Alum wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:33 PM:
" Two questions come to mind here:
1. Was this man on Suicide Watch, if he had already tried to take his life twice in the past week?
2. What is St. John's Suicide Watch procedure for patients who are obviously seriously intent on causing themselves to die?
While people don't like the idea of pointing the finger at St. John's regarding this matter, I see a huge liability for the hospital if a nurse couldn't pull back the sheets to check that someone on suicide watch was still breathing or open a bathroom door without the help of a co-worker in order to find this fellow. This man was suicidal. This is what lawyers will look at if his family files suit. Did the hospital do everything in its power to stop this man from offing himself? I have to tell you, as a person with some common sense, and one who has been trained to stand military watches, the answer is obviously no. "
1. Was this man on Suicide Watch, if he had already tried to take his life twice in the past week?
2. What is St. John's Suicide Watch procedure for patients who are obviously seriously intent on causing themselves to die?
While people don't like the idea of pointing the finger at St. John's regarding this matter, I see a huge liability for the hospital if a nurse couldn't pull back the sheets to check that someone on suicide watch was still breathing or open a bathroom door without the help of a co-worker in order to find this fellow. This man was suicidal. This is what lawyers will look at if his family files suit. Did the hospital do everything in its power to stop this man from offing himself? I have to tell you, as a person with some common sense, and one who has been trained to stand military watches, the answer is obviously no. "
just another comment wrote on Feb 25, 2008 12:46 PM:
" I feel bad for the family. When people make choices like the ones this man made, they don't always, if ever, think about the effect it has on the people that love us the most. "
So sad wrote on Feb 25, 2008 1:27 PM:
" I know how suicide can effect a family first hand. My heart goes out to his family, may he rest in peace. "
former patient wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:04 PM:
" "I too was a patient of Dr Bos, and I will say that he was very professional, quite knowledgeable, and easy to talk to. Yes, his office demeanor was wonderful. He seemed to really love his job and took the time to truly listen to me and answer my questions. I'm so sorry that he felt there was no other way out, and I'm sad for the pain that his family, friends, and co-workers are suffering. May God Bless Jacob Bos and all who knew him." "
re: former kelso alum wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:49 PM:
" i cannot comment on st.johns policy and procedure for their suicide patients, but i work in an acute psych area of another regional hospital. i can say that we interview and rate them with a scale every 4-6 hours, depending on how high they have rated. Usually, most qualify for every 15 minute checks and a room with a camera, if not their own personal "sitter." every 15 minutes doesn't mean peeking in a room. i can give a dozen reasons why, and stories of things gone wrong when staff just "peaks in." To me, this is a tragic situation that didn't have to occur. Dr. Bos seemed to be a highly functional individual at most times in his life who had a serious problem. I believe his depression was "situational," and could have been helped when his life was straightened out. if he was out on his own and was successful at taking his life, it is one thing. but a hospital is a very controlled environment, and there are all kinds of ways to keep a patient safe. i just think that the amount of time between death and discovery is the ultimate tragedy here. the state of washington has regulations for hospitals to which they must comply. "
Cousin wrote on Feb 25, 2008 2:59 PM:
" To "the truth is" comment. Did you ever stop to think that maybe his actions were a cry for help? He was a great man! A cousin of mine infact. I'm not excusing his actions. He did make a choice but I know he was a wonderful person going through some very hard personal things. Please do not judge. You have no idea what he was going through. None of us do. We have never walked in his shoes. This is a very unfortunate thing that has happened. It is painful for the family but we have no idea how much pain and anguish HE was going through. Sometimes our own minds can become a deadly trap. I'm sure he had no intention of hurting anyone. May the Lord watch over and comfort his family. "
grams wrote on Feb 25, 2008 5:48 PM:
" This man's pain warred in him and he could not deal with it. However, after two previous attempts to hurt or kill himself there is no excuse for his being provided with a method to do so -on a suicide watch -n a hospital which is of all places trained to deal with this kind of mental/emotional potential .
I am sorry for this man's family and all of his friends and patients but this should never , ever be allowed to happen again . Why did it happen in the first place, too few employees with too much ground to cover? "
I am sorry for this man's family and all of his friends and patients but this should never , ever be allowed to happen again . Why did it happen in the first place, too few employees with too much ground to cover? "
sad... so sad wrote on Feb 25, 2008 6:35 PM:
" I was visiting an elderly friend in the hospital as a cancer patient this morning when I heard this news. I cried. I did not know this man, & do not know his family, yet I cried. I knew that when I looked up the news of this tragic event here on TDN I would see people again ranting at one another and pointing fingers, fixing blame. That brought even more sadness. We're all so busy pointing fingers that we miss the fact that another human tragedy has occurred, another precious human life is lost, and another soul has gone into eternity... People, this type of nonsense has to stop. Ranting, fixing blame, pointing fingers, it's all so selfish and cruel. Since when were we appointed the judges of all? What we need to do is start loving one another IN REAL LIFE, one person at a time, one act of random kindness at a time, all day every day. Selfless, unconditional love overcomes fear and covers a multitude of sin. Instead of judging, we need to start loving, really loving. Remember, every time we point a finger, the rest of the fingers are pointing back at us. "
GeGe wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:18 PM:
" I think Dr. Bos's suicide is tragic. His family and friends have a long road to go as far as healing from his loss is concerned,and my hart goes out to them. I can't help but think that with his prior history that St. Johns should hve been keeping a better eye on him. Sucidal means SUCIDAL. He was sent to the hopsital to prevent him from completing the act. They left him with a belt, and shone a flash-light on a bed from a door-way......that's just stupid. Maybe the CNA's that were checking on them should have had more training. "
sooper_t wrote on Feb 25, 2008 7:25 PM:
" as a bicycle shop employee as well as a person who suffers from clinical depression occasionally, it would be nice if any comments reflected the wish that Dr. Bos take responsibility for his actions. Sick or not, as a fairly well-to-do person of some means, he stole from retail businessmen that don't make a tremendous amount of money in the first place. Let's face it, he was dishonest and heartless towards something he supposedly loved, he hurt people over and over again, and chickened out in the end in taking responsibility for his actions. I hope God blesses him and his family and shows him mercy. He didn't show much of it for anyone in my industry when he was alive. "
Former Patient wrote on Feb 25, 2008 8:27 PM:
" I just want to say how sorry I am for Jake's friends and family. I was recently released from spending nine days on the 7th floor. When I first got the the hospital I didn't even know he was there since he was still on the suicide watch of the ward (with cameras, NO belts, shoes, etc.)I was there for probably 2 or 3 days prior to him transitioning out the the common area of the ward to attend groups and what not. He was always very quiet but for the last 3 or 4 days there he had been moved out to the common area completely and everything pointed to him getting better. He was smiling a lot more and participating in groups a lot more as well. Anybody can fake how they are feeling if they want to badly enough. I left last Wed. and he seemed to be in great spirits. The seattle times did a big article on the string of thefts on Friday and I would imagine that he got word of that and might have been the deciding fatcor in this. Regardless, placing blame on all of these other entities is pointless. People with Mental health issues can go from one extreme to the next with a snap of the fingers....imagine being a mental health worker and having to deal with this...you really just never can know. My sympathies to his family and may he rest in peace. "
re: sooper_t wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:01 PM:
" people are not all of what you might say buddy, he was also a great doctor and pleasant to be around. "
Outspoken wrote on Feb 25, 2008 10:03 PM:
" I won't comment on Dr. Bos, on his choices in life or in death. But I simply cannot sit back and allow people to blame the staff at St. John's. In years past, I found the hospital to be overcrowded and difficult, but so much effort has been made to change all that. I work in an occupation that has routine dealings with the ED staff and the staff on 7th and I can tell you this hospital has become a top notch health facility. There will be an internal review, you can bet on it, and if,IF there are changes that can make patients safer, they'll be made. It's what everyone in health care wants. But don't be so quick to a conclusion, because unless you were there, you simply cannot know. I can tell you that everone associated with that floor is also saddened by the loss. Thanks 7th, for doing a tough job with compassion and empathy. "
claire wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:21 AM:
" I was surprised the licensing agency for podiatrists did not do their own backround check on Dr. Bos. I thought they were supposed to do this and not rely completely on the applicant's word. When my husband needs do get credentialed to just work in a hospital short term, he has to have a backround check. The licensing agency did not do their job, this is unacceptable. "
Just my thoughts wrote on Feb 26, 2008 7:57 AM:
" My sympathy to the friends and family of Dr. Bos.I didn't know him,but I have known others that have chosen suicide,several in fact.To those of you who are looking for a place to lay the blame;you might consider the medications.We've all seen the commercials for the anti-depressants;the list of side effects is long and always includes"tell your Dr. if you have thoughts of suicide." It is a shame that so many people are being diagnosed as having depression and then put on these pills.Many people that are taking these would have never thought of such actions before being put on these medications.They alter the mind and cause unintended actions.From the stories about Jake Bos,he was intent,and that's sad in itself.Only Jake knew everything that was going on in his life,and I'm not about to judge him.My point is that some people are not,and are even unaware of their actions that could cause harm to themselves. "
woodchuck wrote on Feb 26, 2008 8:00 AM:
" How many of you who have sat in judgment on this man are God?As far as I know he is truly the only one who can sit in judgment on him. None of you truly know what kind of personal hell this man was going through,and in the end he will pay when God judges his actions and not you. "
Denise wrote on Feb 26, 2008 10:34 AM:
" Not sure where to begin except as a friend of Jake I am distraught over his choice to end his life. Being a cycling team member with him I was part of the unfolding of his crimes. Of course it was a shock to us all but in the end we all stood by his side, even those members that lost large amounts of money due to his theft. He had an internal struggle that no one understood, maybe not even Jake himself but regardless he was a valued human being loved by everyone that had the opportunity to meet him. Blessings to Jake's three beautiful children and wonderful family. "
To Claire wrote on Feb 26, 2008 12:16 PM:
" How dare you say they did not do their job. Dr Bos has been practicing medicine for awhile. None of the charges came to light until recently. What were they suppose to assume he was going to do wrong?? I cannot believe how ridiculous some people can be. Get a life and realize things happen even after background checks etc. "
140.6 wrote on Feb 27, 2008 6:12 PM:
" Whether it was the media, police, or hospital none would have been involved if Bos hadn't been stealing bicycles. It wasn't one or two. It was at least nine and likely more. When faced with the loss of his career, reputation, and possibly freedom he chose the quickest way out. Your sympathies are misplaced. He left behind young children, family, and close friends. They deserve your prayers. He deserves your pity and scorn. "
o brother wrote on Feb 28, 2008 8:56 PM:
" Does it really cost thousands of dollars to build a bike? What are these bikes made of? How much proffit on a bike that much? Who is the criminal here? That cost sounds criminal to me. The "Insanity" starts there. "
woodchuck wrote on Feb 29, 2008 11:47 PM:
" o bother hit the nail on the head. Its a name and a bunch of metal, rubber and blah blah blah...... "
140.6 wrote on Mar 1, 2008 12:48 PM:
" Does the cost really matter? Whether it $500 or $5000, Bos showed little regard for the property of others or the impact it would have on those he purported to care about. Whether a doctor, lawyer, mechanic, writer, etc. we are all sufficiently capable or recognizing the consequences of our actions when we make a mistake and not repeat that mistake 9 TIMES! "
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