Christine Chubbuck was the first and only television news reporter to commit suicide during a live television broadcast. On July 15, 1974, eight minutes into the broadcast, the depressed reporter said “In keeping with Channel 40’s policy of bringing you the latest in blood and guts, and in living color, you are going to see another first: an attempted suicide.” With that, Chubbuck drew up a revolver and shot herself in the head.
http://www.neatorama.com/2007/03/12/3