by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — While the definition of what constitutes as news is always a subjective topic, a suicide is especially complicated. Due to the sensitive nature of the story, Sumner Newscow has adopted a set of guidelines when dealing with suicides.

In private matters, Sumner Newscow will not report on suicides. Thus if a person dies within his/her home or property and has not harmed any other human being in the process, the incident is considered private and the website will treat it that way.

There are a few exceptions.

Sumner Newscow will report a suicide in these certain circumstances:

•If a second person was harmed or killed in the process.

•If the suicide occurred in a public setting where large groups of people can gather.

•If the suicide involved a prolonged police standoff.

•If the suicide involved a public figure such as a civic leader, politician, etc.

•If the suicide is part of a larger news story.