Marlin T. Yoder, 56, died November 13 in the parking lot of his employer, Atlas Logistics, Inc. Yoder, a 23-year veteran of the company, committed suicide by setting himself ablaze as horrified co-workers watched through the windows. Several employees rushed out to douse the flames with blankets and fire extinguishers as others called 911, but Yoder was pronounced dead at the scene. According to the suicide note he left in his cubicle, Yoder was inspired by the Buddhist monks in Tibet who have self-immolated to protest Chinese rule. Company office manager Judy Trinkle, who found the note, said it indicated that Yoder's protest was over the company's recent change of coffee creamer brands in the break room. "I can't help but feel partly responsible in a weird way," said Trinkle. "I mean, I bought the other creamer because it was a little cheaper. But for Marlin to do that over a switch in coffee creamers just seems really . . . well, honestly it seems really dumb, God rest his soul. He never even asked me to switch back or said anything to me about not liking the new one or anything."
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