GBON, Maryland — Residents of Gbon Town in Karluway Statutory District, Maryland County, on Thursday, February 12, 2026, rescued a 41-year-old man from committing suicide during the afternoon hours when many residents had already left for their daily farming activities.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr.
The man, identified as John Commings, a farmer who reportedly has a visual impairment, attempted to take his own life following a prolonged family dispute.
According to Commings, he had consistently supported and defended his brother, who was frequently accused of practicing witchcraft in the town. As part of traditional settlements whenever such allegations arose, Commings said he provided goats and pigs on behalf of his brother. He explained that although he depended on selling his livestock for survival, he sacrificed his goats at the request of their parents to resolve the accusations.
Commings further disclosed that he had even gone to jail once in defense of his brother during previous incidents. He stated that his mother and other family members had promised to reimburse him for the livestock and other expenses incurred, but they allegedly failed to fulfill that promise.
Frustrated and feeling betrayed, Commings demanded repayment. When his demands were not taken seriously, he reportedly threatened to take his own life.
Sources said he later hanged himself with a rope inside his room. An elderly woman living in the same house discovered him hanging and immediately raised an alarm for help.
Fortunately, members of the Community Watch Forum, who were holding a meeting nearby in preparation for a trip to a neighboring town, heard the distress call and rushed to the scene. They quickly intervened and managed to rescue Commings, who was already unconscious at the time.
Residents reportedly poured water on him in an effort to revive him, and he eventually regained consciousness.
John Commings has since recovered and is currently reunited with his family in Gbon Town.
