Seinfeld Actor Daniel Von Bargen: Shoots Himself In Head Then Dials 911

The 61 year-old actor Daniel von Bargen has shot himself in the head and then made a dramatic call to the emergency services. In the call, the operator tries to keep the suffering actor talking until the paramedics arrive. A transcript of the 911 call has been published on the Daily Mail's website today (February 22, 2012).

The conversation apparently took place "about 10 minutes" after the shooting, according to Von Bargen. During the call, he explains to the operator that he shot himself in the head because he did not want to go to hospital. The actor, who is best known for playing the role of Mr Kruger in the comedy series Seinfeld, suffers from diabetes and has previously had a leg amputated as a result of the disease. He was due to go to hospital today but told the 911 dispatcher that he couldn't face another amputation: I was supposed to go to the hospital today and I didn't want to. I shot myself. I've already had one leg amputated... I'm tired."

Shortly after saying "I'm tired," Daniel Von Bargen reveals that he can hear someone at the front door. A policeman's voice is then heard, saying "Police department, let me see your hands, keep them right there," aware that a gun has been involved in the incident and keen to ensure that no further shots are fired. Von Bargen is reported to have been taken to Bethseda North hospital in Cincinnati. His condition is described as 'critical but improving.'