San Antonio, December 10, 2025
The recent suicide of Enrique ‘Ricky’ Ramos Jr., a former U.S. Marine, outside the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio has reignited calls for reforms in veterans’ mental health services. This incident marks the facility’s second suicide in 2025, prompting advocates to demand accountability and improved mental health support for veterans. Various community organizations are pushing for legislative measures to prevent such tragedies in the future and ensure veterans receive the care they need.
San Antonio, Texas – Second Suicide at VA Hospital Sparks Calls for Reform
Enrique “Ricky” Ramos Jr., 33, a former U.S. Marine, died by suicide outside the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio on December 4, 2025. This incident marks the second suicide at the facility this year, prompting renewed calls for accountability and enhanced mental health services for veterans.
Details of the Incident
Ramos, who had previously served in the military, contacted a 911 dispatcher from the hospital’s parking lot shortly before taking his own life. The Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his identity following the tragic event. This marks the second suicide at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in 2025, following the death of Mark Miller in April. Advocates and community members are now demanding reforms to prevent further tragedies.
Community Response and Advocacy
In response to the recent suicide, a group called Circle of Arms held a news conference outside the hospital, emphasizing the need for improved mental health services and accountability within the Veterans Affairs system. The organization aims to promote mental health awareness and address care gaps among veterans, women, and minority communities. They are calling for immediate action to address the systemic issues contributing to veteran suicides.
Background on the Facility
The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, located at 7400 Merton Minter Blvd in San Antonio, Texas, is a comprehensive healthcare facility dedicated to serving veterans. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized programs for veterans. The hospital is affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and operates under the Veterans Health Administration.
Legislative Efforts and Initiatives
In response to the ongoing crisis, legislative measures have been proposed to address veteran suicides. For instance, the Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2025 (H.R.136) was introduced in the 119th Congress. This bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of veterans who died by suicide during the last five years. The report aims to include demographic information and other relevant data to inform future prevention strategies.
National Suicide Prevention Resources
Veterans and their families seeking immediate assistance can contact the Veterans Crisis Line, a 24/7 confidential service available via the toll-free hotline number 988. By pressing 1, callers are connected directly to the Veterans Crisis Line. The service is also accessible through text at 838255 or online chat on the hotline’s website. This resource is dedicated to providing support and intervention for veterans in crisis.
Conclusion
The recent suicide at the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms within the Veterans Affairs system to address mental health challenges among veterans. Community advocates and legislators are calling for comprehensive changes to prevent further tragedies and ensure that veterans receive the care and support they deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who was Enrique “Ricky” Ramos Jr.?
Enrique “Ricky” Ramos Jr., 33, was a former U.S. Marine who died by suicide outside the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio on December 4, 2025. He had previously served in the military and had been seeking assistance at the hospital.
What is the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital?
The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, located at 7400 Merton Minter Blvd in San Antonio, Texas, is a comprehensive healthcare facility dedicated to serving veterans. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized programs for veterans. The hospital is affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and operates under the Veterans Health Administration.
What is the Veterans Crisis Line?
The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 confidential service available to veterans and their families. It can be reached via the toll-free hotline number 988, by pressing 1 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Line. The service is also accessible through text at 838255 or online chat on the hotline’s website. This resource is dedicated to providing support and intervention for veterans in crisis.
What legislative measures have been proposed to address veteran suicides?
In response to the ongoing crisis, legislative measures have been proposed to address veteran suicides. For instance, the Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2025 (H.R.136) was introduced in the 119th Congress. This bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of veterans who died by suicide during the last five years. The report aims to include demographic information and other relevant data to inform future prevention strategies.
FAQ Schema in JSON-LD Format
{
"@context": "https://schema.org",
"@type": "FAQPage",
"mainEntity": [
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "Who was Enrique "Ricky" Ramos Jr.?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "Enrique "Ricky" Ramos Jr., 33, was a former U.S. Marine who died by suicide outside the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio on December 4, 2025. He had previously served in the military and had been seeking assistance at the hospital."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital, located at 7400 Merton Minter Blvd in San Antonio, Texas, is a comprehensive healthcare facility dedicated to serving veterans. It offers a range of services, including emergency care, inpatient and outpatient services, and specialized programs for veterans. The hospital is affiliated with the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and operates under the Veterans Health Administration."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What is the Veterans Crisis Line?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "The Veterans Crisis Line is a 24/7 confidential service available to veterans and their families. It can be reached via the toll-free hotline number 988, by pressing 1 to connect directly to the Veterans Crisis Line. The service is also accessible through text at 838255 or online chat on the hotline's website. This resource is dedicated to providing support and intervention for veterans in crisis."
}
},
{
"@type": "Question",
"name": "What legislative measures have been proposed to address veteran suicides?",
"acceptedAnswer": {
"@type": "Answer",
"text": "In response to the ongoing crisis, legislative measures have been proposed to address veteran suicides. For instance, the Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2025 (H.R.136) was introduced in the 119th Congress. This bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of veterans who died by suicide during the last five years. The report aims to include demographic information and other relevant data to inform future prevention strategies."
}
}
]
}
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Incident Details | Enrique “Ricky” Ramos Jr., 33, a former U.S. Marine, died by suicide outside the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San Antonio on December 4, 2025. This marks the second suicide at the facility this year, following the death of Mark Miller in April. |
| Community Response | A group called Circle of Arms held a news conference outside the hospital, emphasizing the need for improved mental health services and accountability within the Veterans Affairs system. The organization aims to promote mental health awareness and address care gaps among veterans, women, and minority communities. |
| Legislative Measures | The Veteran Overmedication and Suicide Prevention Act of 2025 (H.R.136) was introduced in the 119th Congress. This bill mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to report on the deaths of veterans who died by suicide during the last five years. The report aims to include demographic information and other relevant data to inform future prevention strategies. |
| National Suicide Prevention Resources | Veterans and their families seeking immediate assistance can contact the Veterans Crisis Line, a 24/7 confidential service available via the toll-free hotline number 988. By pressing 1, callers are connected directly to the Veterans Crisis Line. The service is also accessible through text at 838255 or online chat on the hotline’s website. This resource is dedicated to providing support and intervention for veterans in crisis. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
San Antonio Explores Alternative Responses for Low-Priority Calls
San Antonio Emerges as Texas’ Leading City for Business Operations
San Antonio Authorities Search for Missing Woman
San Antonio Police Investigate Cat Shooting Incident
San Antonio Man Dies by Suicide in Hospital Parking Lot
San Antonio Marathon Ignites Community Involvement
San Antonio Marathon to Launch a New Running Tradition
Ray Lopez Not Seeking Reelection in House District 125
Ray Lopez Announces Decision Not to Seek Reelection
Inmate Found Dead Following Double Murder Charges
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
