ALAMOSA­ — An unidentified man, believed to be elderly, apparently shot himself just outside the emergency room of San Luis Valley Health hospital about 1 p.m. Tuesday.

In an email statement from the hospital, program information officer Donna Wehe said, “Today, an unfortunate event happened outside of our emergency room; a pedestrian ended his life.  Our staff responded immediately and appropriately to the victim as well as to the witnesses.”

CEO Konnie Martin commented on the situation, “We extend our sympathies to the victim’s family and friends.  We are offering support to our staff and by-standers who were witness to the incident. As always we appreciate the support of law enforcement who responded so quickly.”

Martin said the SLV Health ER is secure and the reception area is protected by bullet-proof glass, but several people were in the waiting room at the time of the incident. She said hospital chaplains and victims’ advocates were called in to meet with staff and other witnesses.