Windsor Terrace Priest Dies In Suicide Before Christmas: Police

WINDSOR TERRACE, BROOKLYN -- A Brooklyn priest died from suicide inside his Windsor Terrace church about two weeks before Christmas, according to his obituary and police.

Father Patrick Burns, 57, was found in the Holy Name of Jesus Roman Catholic Church rectory living room at about 5 p.m. on Dec. 14, police said.

Burns was found with slash marks on his wrist, an empty bottle of Risperidone, an antipychotic drug, and a 16-page suicide note, police said.

Emergency responders came looking for the priest, who struggled with mental health issues, after pastor Larry Ryan requested a wellness check, according to the New York Post.

Burns devoted his decades-long career working to connect the diverse communities he served in Brooklyn and Queens, according to his obituary in The Tablet magazine.

Burns, ordained in 1992, served as pastor at St. Martin of Tours-Fourteen Holy Martyrs in Bushwick, St. Michael in Sunset Park and Blessed Sacrament in Jackson Heights before joining the Windsor Terrace church, according to the obituary.

"Father Burns was always there for the NYPD whether in times of crisis or just to share a light hearted moment," commented Frank Siclari. "His efforts to bridge police and community were unparalleled.

"Father Pat, thank you for your service. You are loved and missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you. God bless you."

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visiting this website. New Yorkers can also find resources by calling 1-888-NYC-WELL.

Photo courtesy of GoogleMaps