St. Louis, MO – Family members say I.E. Millstone, the legendary St. Louis builder and philanthropist who went missing Saturday, had been suffering from anxiety after taking pain medication for a shoulder injury.
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Authorities are searching for Millstone in the Missouri River after learning of his disappearance and receiving a report that an elderly man was seen jumping off the Daniel Boone Bridge into the river about 1:15 p.m. Saturday. KMOV reported that a car belonging to Millstone’s housekeeper was found near the bridge.
A family spokesman released this statement early today: “Our beloved grandfather had been suffering from anxiety since taking a pain medication for a shoulder injury. We are continuing to pray for his safety and we asked that the community join us in our prayers.”
Though 102 years old, Millstone had been to all appearances spry and in good health when he spoke on May 3 at the opening of the Staenberg Family Complex at the Jewish Community Center in west St. Louis County.
Sheila Greenbaum, president of Jewish Federation, said Millstone spoke without notes at some length and in good humor about the history of the Jewish Community Center in St. Louis. It was Millstone who donated the grounds for the center in the 1960s in West County and the campus is named in his honor.
“He called it the best investment that he had ever made,” Greenbaum recalled.
Millstone’s work as a builder included the old Busch Stadium, Mercantile Tower, the Federal Building and the Milles Fountain. Millstone Construction Inc. also was involved in creating the nation’s first public housing complex in Florida, as well as Pruitt-Igoe and Laclede Town in St. Louis, both of which have since been demolished.
Friends who have been in touch with the Millstone family have been told that they do not hold out much hope for his survival. And so when contacted, the friends have begun to speak about him in the past tense.
“I.E. Millstone was a hero of St. Louis and a hero of mine,” Dr. William Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University. “He was a remarkable combination of intelligence, energy, vision and good will. He loved St. Louis and knew its history, how it was built and why decisions were made the way they were. He seemed never to forget anything.
“At the same time he could see farther into the future than the rest of us and use that foresight to lay plans that would benefit the community. He loved and enjoyed the people he knew and supported their good causes generously. Even when over 100 years old he would exert influence at the board meetings at Washington University by seeing through all complexities to the heart of issues and charting a wise course. His life was a blessing.”
(this is preliminary) He was a fine Jew who donated generously to Jewish and other causes that benefited the general public. It’s sad that his life ended on such a tragic note! Where’s was family? Other people who were supposed to keep close tabs on an elderly person? One thing is certain. depression, anxiety and the lack of general happiness have nothing to do with the lack of money. This person was certainly not lacking any funds to keep an upscale lifestyle!!!
Tragedy.
Pain medications are miracle drugs but each person’s chemistry is different. Tragic to hear of this terrible side effect in a man who was otherwise a healthy individual.
We are fortunate to live during the era when these medications are now available to relieve suffering. Nonetheless, It is critical to have a skillful person read the small print on the labels, to help patients understand. Side effects occur only in a small percentage of patients, yet –as this case illustrates– the side effects can be deadly.
Patients must stay aware of possible side effects such as anxiety or depression, and immediately alert the physician if these symptoms begin to occur.
#1 , Keeping tabs? Didn’t you read, he was spry & alert, he probably drove to the bridge himself! Doesn’t sound like the type of person who would have wanted or allowed anyone to keep tabs on him. R”L what medication can cause!
To #1 Until we know that he has passed away, you should not speak of him in the past tense!
what a shame to end such a good long life this way. we all wish such long years on ourselves, and to throw it away at this stage is very ungrateful. I am going to blame it on the meds.
I switched doctors when my then doctor would ignore side effects. My present doctor acknowledges the problem and adjusts medication accordingly.
Doctors that ignore side effects, no matter how competent they otherwise appear to be, are dangerous!
He was the best man I’ve ever had the fortune of knowing. He was brave and strong these last few years in the face of outliving his children and wives along with physical discomfort. He is loved and adored by his family and friends.
If he didn’t jump so long he didn’t jump now.I suspect someone pushed him if he actually is in the river.
For everyone criticizing this man’s doctor: (i) we don’t know if the side effects were even reported to the dr.; and (ii) his anxiety could have been from the pain or other reasons. For now, let’s hope and pray that he is found safe and sound.
I called my 96 year old Zeydeh an hour ago and he was also very sad and depressed over his physical and mental condition. He misses his aishes chayil and his mishpucha and chevrei. His einiklach don’t even comfort him. This happens clearly to those who have arichas shanim and cannot walk or see well. May HKBH grant all zekaynim a rafuah shleima so they can enjoy their last days b’shalom and not b’kaporah.
Izzy Millstone was one of the greatest philanthropists I was honored to know and call him a friend. His visionary leadership transformed the entire Jewish Community of St. Louis and the Campus that bears his name is a testament to his vision and love of the community. As much as we had pride in long and healthy life, it is a sad day to see our friend go this way
May his memory be for a blessing- and an inspiration to the next 3 generations of potential visionaries waiting to step forward.