September 4, 2025

By Lane Kimble

Talk is cheap, the saying goes, but talking is an invaluable resource that may save lives in an industry hit especially hard by suicides.

Next week, Sept. 8-12, marks Construction Suicide Prevention Week.

More construction workers die by suicide than nearly any other profession in the U.S.

Centers for Disease Control data shows 53 deaths for every 100,000 workers.  That’s more than four times the national average.

The reasons are vast: construction is a male-dominated industry (men die by suicide at much higher rates than women), injuries and painkiller use are prevalent, and isolation combined with travel is frequent.

“If you’re away from family and friends, you need colleagues you can lean on,” Suicide Prevention Week steering committee member Angela Crawford says.  “Something as simple as checking in with someone can make the difference between them making a tragic decision or finding the help they need.”

Talking and having those tough conversations with coworkers, family, and friends is exactly what the Kronlage family urges construction workers to do.

Ty Kronlage, an equipment operator with a company in Iowa, died by suicide in October 2023.  He was just 21 years old.

WTBA worked with the Kronlage family to share Ty’s story during last year’s Construction Suicide Prevention Week, creating a powerful video that’s been viewed more than 24,000 times.