Councilwoman dies in leap from bridge
Kay Lasco's colleagues in SeaTac city government express shock at her suicide
By JEFFREY M. BARKER
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER
SEATAC -- SeaTac City Councilwoman Kay Lasco died early yesterday morning after jumping off the Aurora Bridge.
Lasco, 53, had been a councilwoman since January 2002. She was also director of the Northwest Washington Women's Business Center in Everett. The center provides counseling and technical training to female entrepreneurs and business owners in Snohomish, Skagit, Island, Kitsap, San Juan and Whatcom counties.
About 2:15 a.m. yesterday, a woman jumped off the east side of the Seattle span, according to the Seattle Police Department. The King County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Lasco's identity and found the cause of death to be freshwater drowning.
SeaTac police Chief Scott Somers notified city leaders early yesterday.
"It came as just a total shock," said SeaTac City Manager Bruce Rayburn, who recalled having seen Lasco at last Tuesday's council meeting.
He said she seemed like an "upbeat, outgoing individual that evening."
Councilman Gene Fisher said Lasco's father and a close friend had suffered health problems and had been hospitalized numerous times. Fisher said Lasco was particularly upset about the friend's problems after stomach bypass surgery.
City leaders remembered Lasco yesterday as a good listener who championed issues of public safety, youth, and especially human services.
"She has always been interested in different aspects of human services," said Councilwoman Terry Anderson.
"She served very well and seemed to be very knowledgeable."
A native of King County, Lasco graduated from Chief Sealth High School and the University of Washington.
She is survived by her son, Charlie Alan Lasco.
