Lynne Rosen, 46, and John Littig, 48, the two radio hosts of the Brooklyn-based self-help show "The Pursuit of Happiness," have been found dead in their apartment of an apparent double-suicide.
Here's what you need to know...
1. They Gassed Themselves
The NYPD have called it an "elaborate method" of suicide. Rosen and Littig tied plastic bags above their heads and inserted a tube that connected to a canister of helium. Both would have died of asphyxiation when their bags filled with gas, reports Park Slope Patch.
2. They Left Notes
Both left notes, it's unknown what exactly was contained in them but Lettig's did say "I can't watch my wife suffer anymore." Investigators did not elaborate much more on the deaths, reported the Daily News.
An NYPD spokesman told reporters:
Her note basically said she was sorry for doing this, we believe she had some psychological problems.
3. Their Bodies Rotted for Days
Photo of the apartment at 8th Avenue and President Street where Rosen and Littig were found dead. Photo via Park Slope Patch.
The two are believed to have been dead for a week, but NYPD are not exactly sure when, their bodies were not discovered until the super of their building broke down their door when neighbors began to complain about the smell. Cops finally confirmed the two deaths when they entered the apartment at Eighth Avenue and Prospect Park West on Monday, June 3 at 11:11 a.m.
As of Tuesday the hallway in front of their apartment was covered in plastic as a fan tried to eliminate the smell.
4. They Made Their Living Telling Listeners How to Be Happy
They hosted a monthly radio show called "The Pursuit of Happiness," on WBAI-FM, the show went out every fourth Wednesday of the month. The couple broadcasted the show from their apartment. One of the phrases often heard on the show was Eleanor Roosevelt's quote:
Do one thing every day that scares you.
5. They Ran a Life-Coaching Business
The couple also founded "Why Not Now," a focused life-coaching program, which according to their website:
Why Not Now provides focused life coaching designed to help foster and encourage your inner strengths, identify hidden and untapped resources, and put you confidently on the path to designing the life you've always wanted to live.
Rosen also produced an inspirational rap video called "The Person You've Always Wanted to Be":
6. Rosen Was a Qualified Social Worker
Rosen's' LinkedIn page indicates she previously worked as a family therapist at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn. Her education lists: a Master of Social Work (MSW) from NYU, and a degree in Political Science from SUNY Binghamton.
7. Littig Had a Band
Littig was a musician also who performed as a drummer and singer with his band, "Jadex." In January 2013 he performed at Webster Hall in Manhattan has part of a benefit for WBAI-FM.
8. He Also Had a Production Company
Littig's LinkedIn page says that he is the owner/found of JLR Productions, a company which: "produces music and other videos, including branded entertainment for companies and businesses." He also has an unspecified BA from Long Island University's Brooklyn campus.
9. A Neighbor Says They Were Weird
One ex-neighbor has said that the couple's bizarre behavior was the reason he moved out of the building where Rosen and Littig's body's were found. The radio-duo lived in the apartment for two decades.
Lynne Rosen, Beyond this Point, and (I am) Isis @ WBAI
From Left to Right: Bernard Julien and Travis Mendes, Lynne Rosen, Isaac Childs, and Isis
Another neighbor, 26-year-old, Greg Carroll said about them:
I only knew the man as a neighbor. He was a drummer and I would hear him practice all the time.
Carroll went on to tell Park Slope Patch about how the building's super went to investigate the strong stench that was filling the building:
He opened their door and saw them lying there, he has been pretty shaken up since.
10. Their Most Classic Comments Are Now Terribly Ironic
Rosen had previously told listeners to:
Push yourself when there's nothing left to go on, remember, positivity is precious.
In the couple's show in April, listeners were told:
People get scared to make changes, right, and to step out of that comfort zone.
With Littig adding:
Alternatively, you can get comfortable with change.
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