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2018 jump eventsthe busiest suicide jump year in skyway history.
updated: 12.20.22
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have any factual news, updates, or additions? (our comments follow) |
12.30.18: possible something, 2:45am unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 12.30.18, anon, Saw someone walking SB on the NB side of the bridge last night about 2:45am. Called FHP, not sure what happened. No broken down cars nearby. any more info is welcome. |
01.07.19, Drew W., facebook comment plugin, I wonder if the 12/30 report is tied into the Dark Chevy Tahoe at the southbound toll plaza with 9 stickers on the back window. |
12.27.18: possible jumper, 6:16pm unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
12.27.18, anon, facebook, Dark SUV with a bike rack going southbound at the top of the skyway bridge called FHP they are looking into it. I said there's a person sitting at the top of the skyway going southbound and he said yeah so what are they doing I said I'm not sure but I didn't think that anybody supposed to be pulled over up there. Around 630pm. any more info is welcome. |
12.27.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1816, 2206, 3h50m |
• Adam H., fbplugin, Dr took my loratabs and instead attempted to put me on incredible anti depressant dosage. I've been blown up, crushed and have degenerative disc disease diagnosed but they try to make you feel it's all in your head.. I'm not thrilled at all with having to take opioid pain meds but I damn sure not craz.. I like other people just want quality of life instead of being needlessly bed and house ridden. But big bro knows best. I pondered suicide off this lovely landmark but I'm not going to let them take me out so easily. Sorry I just had to express these things. Keep up the good work fine people have a fantastic New year. • Skyway Bridge, fbplugin, your story is heart breaking. it's easy to see why people just give up and end it all. keep up the good fight and hang in there. write back any time you need to get things out. • Adam H., fbplugin, I look on here all the time, expect to recognize chronic pain patients who have had thier pain meds taken away from dea CDC. Two have shot selves in 4 months but they don't want public to understand what Is going on. • Skyway Bridge, fbplugin, it's no secret that this country is full of people, all jacked up on a cornucopia of headmeds. whether they work as prescribed is irrelevant, as far too many have unintended effects that drive many to suicide. i refuse to call them 'side effects', as they are simply effects that have killed thousands. now sure, people will pop on here and declare me an idiot, because "my meds work great for me, so stfu!". no doubt, some are helped, but far too many are simply having one variety after another, thrown at them in the hopes of finding one that works the best. helpless guinea pigs, sacrificing their minds, lives, and/or sanity, in a mad dash to figure out which meds do what for who. the trail of death and destruction left behind is mind boggling, yet the tv is chock full of ads, instructing you to "ask your doctor if suicide pills are right for you". it's damn criminal. • Terry D., fbplugin, They don't care if you die. The CDC, DEA just don't want you to die while taking regulated Dr.supervised pain meds.The reason is makes Big Pharma, Script Ins. Co.s, Drs. look bad. Never mind that the O.D. rate is less than 2% of overdoses when following the rules. It's the street drugs, and addicts who do drugs just to get high that O.D. 98% of the time. It's like taking driver license from sober drivers to keep all the drunk drivers from killing them. |
12.27.18: jumper, 7:37am, male, died, body found later in the day unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 12.27.18, anon, giant woman terrifies skyway drivers! channel 8 reporting on "police activity" and "heavy traffic". no mention of a jumper or suicide. 12.27.18, Amanda, Bradenton, 12/27/18. 7:55 AM. 3 cops at top of the bridge surrounding a stopped empty car. All the officers were looking over the bridge and another cop was coming up the bridge. So sad. Just praying for the person and family. 12.27.18, Alimac, St. Pete, Possible jumper, Activity on hump at 8:05a. FHP looking over edge. 12.27.18, William O., Bradenton, Approximately 8:45am witnessed grey car on top of bridge with F.H.P. and Sheriff's Dept behind car. There appeared to be nobody in car. I look at another twitter sight and a jumper was reported at 8:00 am. 12.27.18, Cuban C., facebook, 12.27.18, Bubba, St pete, Drove over about 8:22. As i was driving north bound, I could see the focus and all the cops looking over the edge..Just as I passed a tall black law enforcement officer in a bright yellow vest who was looking over the edge came back appearing upset waving his arms. As in a "no catch" call type official in the NFL. (Sorry I don't know how else to describe it) to the other law enforcement officers who were looking over the edge. Sorry for the limited info. 12.29.18, jim s., subject: Jumper 12-27-18 7:34 AM, I caught a police officer looking over the bridge with binoculars on my dash cam. 12.28.18, anon, I just confirmed that the police activity off of the NSFP (north side fishing pier) was in fact the sighting & recovery of yesterday's jumper. any more info is welcome. |
12.27.18, pcsoweb.com, 12.27.18, pinellascounty.org, 12.27.18, flhsmv.gov/fhp, 12.27.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0742, 1421, 6h39m |
12.27.18, iontb/fb, Skyway: Emergency crews on and below the center span. Expect slowdowns. |
12.27.18, Shannon M., Pinellas, All these jumpers lately. My heart is breaking for these families. May they rest in peace. 12.27.18, Steve D., St. Petersburg, My GF says someone apparently jumped this am as she was on her way across bridge. "A nice, empty car up top, with four cop cars around it." Sad. 12.29.18, Blair, Trout Creek, Looks like where this person stopped alongside one of the towers and jumped they would end up on the rocks... ugh. (we thought the same thing. perhaps he too saw the rocky landing and went one way or the other to avoid that end.) 12.29.18, Blair, Trout Creek, This raises an interesting question. Did he *really* want to die? Impact with the rocks would guarantee it. Impact with the water averages a 10% chance of survival, looking at Skywaybridge.com jump history. Are many people taking this drastic action really playing a higher stakes form of Russian roulette? This jumper did not stop at the apex to jump, as many do, but pulled over at a position that would guarantee their life would end if they jumped there - but then apparently walked to a different location. Once again, do desperate people really want to die, or is it a final cry for help? (keep in mind that we are speculating. we thought that he jumped into the rock island as well, but got a confirmation that he was found at the northern fishing pier. that would indicate he moved away from hitting the rocks. guessing he was determined to die, but perhaps considered the water impact to be less painful a death, than slamming into jagged rocks. in reality, the rocks option would be instant and guaranteed, whereas the water version often offers a broken body, struggling to stay afloat, only to succumb to a slow drowning death or eventual rescue, followed by a painful recovery, with multiple permanent health issues, as well as additional mental trauma, on top of what drove him to the bridge in the first place. that or eventual death anyway, after days to weeks of pain. unless, of course, he was trying to escape existing health issues and not depression/stress/love/financial/job issues.) facebook post |
12.24.18: possible something, 1:30am unknown |
12.24.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MENTALLY ILL PERSON / VIOLENT, SKYWAY BG, 0134, 0249,
1h15m any more info is welcome. |
12.23.18: jumper, 7:57pm, female, died, body recovered Melanie Anne Branch (Brinker/Irons), 43 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporter: 12.23.18, Amy J., St. Petersburg, Lots of activity (many police cars) on top of the bridge right now 8:10pm 12/23/18. Police boat in the water. We are not at the top of the span yet. later: Pretty sure there was a jumper. Helicopters flying above and emergency personnel looking over the edge. So very, very sad. later: There was an empty dark work truck (still running) at the top of the northbound span and a white camaro with a woman in it behind the work truck. The work truck had metal apparatus on it that held ladders. I took a picture but it was pretty blurry. 12.23.18, 12.23.18, Zach H., Seminole, FL., (7:57pm), Possible Jumper on the Skyway. Emergency vehicles dispatched at 7:57:35 PM 12/13/18. Police and crews are currently on the bridge. later: Emergency units dispatched at 7:57, Body recovered at 8:33pm. Source- Pinellas County Live Audio feed (Broadcastify) 12.23.18, Paul D., facebook, 8.30....police on bridge, marine units under the bridge. 12.23.18, Devon P., facebook, Coast guard and FWC is responding to a water rescue at the Skyway. is that usually a jumper? 😕 12.23.18, Susan R., facebook/Riverview, Fl. Scanner Group, Skyway, Initially reported as a white male looking over edge with his hand over his face. Then a man called in saying his daughter jumped. HCSO thinks Father of jumper was the man people saw up there with his hand over his face. They believe he called either from the bridge or on his way there. 12.23.18, anon, facebook, I was heading northbound over Skyway. Saw a truck with a ladder on top, flashing emergency lights on. I made a call to 911 at 7:05pm. No other vehicles were stopped. No one was outside the vehicle. I contacted police 30 min later to get an update and was informed that as police were on their way to the vehicle the parked car drove off. The police never made contact. An hour later a photo was posted online of a vehicle that looked similar. Dark truck with a ladder posted up top. Realized it looked like the same vehicle that was called in about an hour earlier. Sad to hear that this person probably looped back around, jumped, and died. My heart is broken that I tried calling for help to hear that police did not make contact and the woman died. My prayers to the woman's family. Just wanted them to know all details. (there have been instances where vehicles go over the bridge one way, then u-turn and go the other way, maybe several laps, and then at some point, they stop and jump. there is also a report that a man, possibly her father, was involved on the bridge. there could have been some discussion and vehicle maneuvering between the two, causing the time difference between your call and her jumping.) any more info is welcome. |
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12.23.18, pcsoweb.com, 12.23.18, pinellascounty.org, 12.23.18, flhsmv.gov/fhp, 12.23.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1956, 2326, 3h30m |
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12.23.18,
iontb/fb,
Skyway: First responders atop the northbound lanes of I-275 on Sunshine Skyway. Marine units searching below. later: Body recovered. 05.21.20, Melanie is mentioned in a skyway barrier article. |
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facebook post Ronnale I., fbplugin, This was niece that jumped...thank you for details I will pass them on to the rest of the Family... Nancy L., fbplugin, I am so so sorry for your loss. I lost my grandaughter to suicide in May of 2017. Let me know if you need someone to talk to Marlena H., fbplugin, This was my friend since high school. I’m absolutely devastated. I can’t believe this. I’m in a Colorado but if someone could fill me in on any service info or any further info I’d appreciate it. Carly S., fbplugin, melanie is my cousin im in colorado too we are trying to figure out funeral services not sure whats going to happen im heartbroken and devastated she was just here with me 2 years ago ?? Robert B., fbplugin, She was a good person and probaby in a better place with her son. She could never catch a break and got tired of trying. Cynthia N., fbplugin, Rip Melanie. Her arrest report had nothing to do with this. He family is greiving. Skyway Bridge, fbplugin, sometimes the turmoil in one's life, may aid as an indicator of why one might end themselves. a life of chaos and trouble, clearly indicates dysfunction that can lead to depression. perhaps a deadly depression. |
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12.20.22, Heather I., Owosso, Michigan,
It’s coming up on the 4 year anniversary of losing my sister. December 2018 was a record setting month with 18, jumpers! Unfortunately One being my sister! She drove that bridge for over an hour, pulling off but not getting out, she waited until my father arrived behind her, and she jumped 7:57pm she was recovered at 8:30pm. Others had called the officers were searchers for her, I wonder everyday what would of happened if the officers got to her first or if she called me her outcome would be different! Please I understand how tough life can be the ups and downs all the time, the feeling of never catching a break, people use and abuse you, you lose your home, your kids, your spouse, your job, life just feels like it continues to beat you down! I get it believe me probably more then anyone, I’m a survivor myself! Believe me you gotta ride out the highs and lows, there are people out there who love you more then words could ever express! Please when your feeling down, don’t think of the negative try to look at the positive there’s always a positive to find. Ground yourself, think of those who do love you! For those are the ones who forever carry those burdens wondering if there was something you could of done, we wonder what we could of done differently for you to still be here, we carry guilt. It doesn’t end the pain it puts it on the ones who love you, to walk everyday dreading the day, hating this month. Please if your thinking of taking your life, it takes much more strength to reach out I understand but please do it, find that place that brings you peace, sit for hours alone or with your best friend even if that means a 4 legged companion. Please there’s a reason for you to still be here! Remember all those people who hurt you and thought they could beat you, YOU HAVE TO FIND THE STRENGTH FROM WITHIN, YOU HAVE SO MANY PEOPLE TO PROVE WRONG!! Please just know to this day my heart aches, I still can’t see this bridge, the mighty Mac or any suspended bridges! The pain is real, it doesn’t end when you decide to end things it just puts a brutal pain on those who do love you! And believe me there is always someone who loves you! Jesus loves you, you love you! And so many more people then you know love you!! Melanie Anne I will forever miss you, I will forever love you! I will forever carry on your memory through me!! (thank you, sorry for the pain you continue to endure.) |
12.18.18: possible jumper, 6:30pm unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
12.19.18, Anna-Marie G., facebook, I didn't see anything posted for yesterday around 6:30-7pm but there were 3 helicopters and a bunch of flashing red lights by the skyway. Anyone have any info? any more info is welcome. |
facebook post, covering incidents from 12.15 to 12.18 addressing the calls for volunteers on the bridge, to intervene during jumper events. |
12.18.18: save, 1:13pm, male |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 12.18.18, Bill E., HCSO Responding to Skyway. Report of a man standing on the railing. northbound side. 12.18.18, Carl P., 1:25pm northbound police activity at the top with no sign of an accident. 12.18.18, anon, Male at top of bridge with alcohol impairment and psychiatric issues. Taken into custody and transported to the hospital for evaluation. Not sure if was threatening to jump or not. About 1:30pm. any more info is welcome. |
12.18.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, ASSIST OTHER AGENCY, SKYWAY BG, 1313, 1407, 0h54m |
12.18.18: possible jumper, 9:22am unknown |
12.18.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 0922, 1041,
1h19m any more info is welcome. |
12.17.18: possible jumper, 9:06am unknown |
12.17.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 0906, 1611,
7h5m any more info is welcome. |
12.16.18: possible jumper, 10:36am unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 12.16.18, Michelle C., Was there another jumper today, 12/16? Driving over bridge about 3:00pm and 3 FHP cars were at the top parked behind a civilian car. Saw where there was an "assist other agency" call at the Skyway on Manatee Sheriff call log. 12.17.18, Stephanie A., facebook, We were there yesterday afternoon- police vehicles and ambulance at the top and a car with a driver - but not sure what happened. any more info is welcome. |
12.16.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 1036, 1232, 1h56m |
12.15.18: jumper, 2:13pm, male, hit water, died, body found 12.19.18 Kevin Kimbrough Jr., 24 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 12.15.18, anon, 12.15.18, Bill E., Skyway Bridge. Male just jumped. Units enroute. Empty Explorer on scene, possible jumpers vehicle. 12.15.18, Dawn C., facebook, Crossing today, there were LEO's on both sides, and a helicopter was circling around the center span on the northbound side. Was there a jumper? 12.15.18, Nancy F., facebook, There was a jumper just a little while ago. Any news or info on him. Happened just before we came across. So sad. any more info is welcome. |
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12.15.18, pinellascounty.org, 12.15.18, pcsoweb.com, 12/15/2018, 02:16 PM, WATER RESCUE 0 SUNSHINE SKYWAY LN S ST PETERSBURG TV1A 12.15.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 1413, 2016, 6h3m 12.19.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 1311, 1427, 1h16m |
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12.15.18,
iontb/fb, Skyway Bridge: Police activity in Pinellas on I-275 south at Sunshine Skyway, right lane blocked.
later: They are responding to jumper. Some body claimed to have seen them jump.
comments: • 12.15.18, Kayla A., Helicopters look like they're searching the waters & coast guard in waters circling. • 12.15.18, Jordan T., |
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he made a video to help raise money for the Children's Miracle Network: |
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12.15.18,
Renee NW,
facebook, I was driving southbound going up the bridge when the police and ambulance were passing to get there. It is the second time this week I was on the bridge when police were trying to get to the scene. I just moved here. Now I know to drive slower when approaching the top, stay in the right lane, keep a look out for any cars parked or people on the bridge, be ready to pull over, and have my phone in reach. I usually look ahead or admire the architecture, but I know better now. Please message me any updates on this evening's incident. I read that the young man on the 10th didn't survive. I'll be praying for both families. I can't help but think in both cases if I left just a minute earlier I may of saw it and could of helped. 😥 12.15.18, MR., St. Petersburg, Florida, YOUNG MALE 12-15-18, My family had the unfortunate encounter of witnessing a young Male jump from the bridge at 2:00pm roughly this afternoon as they drove over the Skyway Bridge. I have read some of these issues at hand here and it far past time to make a real effort to help/discourage and STOP this from being and option for people to end there life and also to prevent the traumatic emotions it puts the person's family through, but my family as well that had to witness it happen literally and have to live with the disturbing sad memories of that forever...Please make a real effort Florida Governing Bodies To Stop This At Any Cost, Especially Considering How The Bridge Takes In From Tolls/Sun Passes (The Revenue Of Which I Might Add Seems To Be A Safely Guarded Secret From Civilians), but yet I see Multi Million dollar beach house looking rest stops being erected to spite the old ones seeming very sufficient, go figure that priority...In the meantime I plead for future potential suicidal jumpers to "Not To Do It" and as the survivors that have jumped and lived would also from experience beg and plead you "Not To Do It"... You are special to someone from your past, present, or future that will be greatly effect by the lose of your smile. And please don't put others (Human beings/Dads/Mothers/Sisters/Brothers) passing by to carry the burden of witnessing such an event...We all care and we all have a reason and purpose whether it be small or big to be here for this short amount of time we have been given to be a part of it. PLEASE DON'T DO IT. later: It was unfortunately witnessed by my wife and daughter, very sad and has been very hard on my wife who could do nothing but scream and yell and honk at the young man until she could safely pull over even knowing it was too late as she witnessed it happen as she came over the top. I plead for local governing bodies to stop this insanity please. It severely effects more than the jumper and further if the governments that have control to address, then all of us should start voting asap for the people that want to. I see they had the brain power and funds to rebuild a unneeded multi million dollar beach house like rest stop....heart breaking priorities, but at least potential jumpers can use the bathroom in style and get a refreshing last drink (shameful priorities) when this problem with providing this means for suicide has existed and remained improperly handled for decades. 12.16.18, Nancy, Holiday, We came across the bridge right after the man jumped. Does anyone know if he survived or if his body was recovered? Cannot get him out of my mind. Prayers 12.17.18, MR., St.Petersburg, Is there anywhere this young mans identity or status of search and recovery deceased or alive can be found currently? And if Not, when and where does it typically become public information in regards to vehicle/identification/or outcome of search please? Thank you, Witnessed. (there is no "typically become public information" on any jumper. the media rarely mentions jumpers. it's hit or miss, but usually miss. if we get any more information, we will post it here and let you know with an email reply. we truly hope you cope with your tragic experience.) 12.17.18, Bobby R., facebook, Anyone know what happened on Sat? They were towing a white Ford Explorer off & there was a bunch of coast Guard boats circling below. 12.17.18, Bill E., The man in the Explorer jumped, died, was recovered quickly by St Pete police. 12.20.18, MR., St.Petersburg, Cute Funny Video & Awesome Jam, He will be missed by more people than he ever could have imagined and never even met unfortunately. Our hearts and prayers sincerely go out to his Family and Friends that loved him so very much. facebook post, • 12.16.18, Theresa M., I witnessed it too. He was literally next to my car when he did it. I called 911 but didn't stop. We kept driving because it took me like a minute to process that I was screaming that the boy jumped. He was so young and I keep stalking the news but I can't find one thing. later: My boyfriend was driving and he thought me screaming and cars were laying on the horn and pulling over was an accident unfolding so he sped up to avoid potentially getting hit. (pretty much spot on what we wrote about here. there hasn't been anything in the news about this jump and we doubt there will ever be.) more facebook post, • Karla C., I was on the bridge that day, too, around 3 pm headed to a wedding. I felt in my gut that I knew what had just happened and was overcome with sadness. I came here to confirm my suspicions and am grieved to learn what occurred and am posting to honor this young person and the loss to his family and friends. I'm struck what a bright, funny, beautiful young man Mr. Kimbrough was. Rest In Peace Kevin Kimbrough. #alwaysremembered |
12.10.18: jumper, 6:30pm, male, died, body recovered Joe McKinney, 18 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 12.10.18, April T., Jumper tonight 12/10? Saw sirens and traffic breaking in southbound lanes headed over bridge at mid span. Time frame was around 7:30 pm? Anything reported around that time? later: this is the second time I've seen someone within 5 seconds of jumping and it messes with your head! 12.10.18, W. P., (some people were complaining that W.P. should have stopped to help.) 12.11.18, John D., St Pete., (12.10.18, 7:30pm, male, died, body found), 18 year old man 12.11.18, Jack H., Seminole, (12.10.18, 6:30pm, male, hit water, died, body found), I knew Joe in high school. I was notified of his death by a friend this morning. He just graduated with me in May. Great kid. any more info is welcome. |
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12.10.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1833, 2342, 5h9m | |||
12.10.18,
iontb/fb, Skyway Bridge: Expect delays as first responders are investigating a suicide from the bridge.
comment from the article: • 12.10.18, Scott R., Body just recovered. |
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facebook post, • 03.09.21, Michele Mckinney, My son's death had nothing to do with strength. His entire life was being controlled and dictated by his father and see couldn't see any way out. You have no idea what this young man went through during his lifetime. His life would have never been his own no matter what he did. His father wanted him to go into the military and he did not want to go. They had an argument the day he was supposed to sign the MEPS papers. His father was angry at him and spoke to him in a way that no father should ever speak to his son. He knew he was not capable of going into the and possibly having to hurt someone or even kill another human being. Immediately after the argument, my son hung up the phone and decided that he'd rather kill himself then every unkind to another human being. Even though he took my life with him when he jumped, I completely understand why he thought that was the only way you could get away from his father. He truly believed that was the only way he would ever be free from him. It had nothing to do with strength and don't ever assume that you know whether it did or not when you don't even know why it happened. (we are truly sorry you lost your son. the endless heartbreak is unimaginable. our observation that perhaps he wasn't strong enough to continue living was our opinion, as if he were strong enough, he could have stood up to his father and refused to take his direction as dictated. walking away from anyone, be they a stranger, friend, or even family, when said person brings such negativity into your life, requires strength and determination. sadly, your son did not have this strength. had he been stronger, he could have chosen his own path in life, by ignoring his father, instead of ending it because of him.) • Jessi P., fbplugin, This was my son's friend & he has been devastated. Joe was such a sweet guy. I wish we'd have known he was suffering. Please reach out for help before you do something permanent like this. Prayers for his family & for my son's heart. I hope you're resting in peace Joe....we love you xoxo • Julie P., God bless that young man. Just seeing the picture of this lost soul about to jump makes my heart sting. I've traveled that incredible bridge many a time, and have equal amounts of awe and fear while on it. I don't know what I'd do if I saw this as I went by, I doubt it would be safe to stop. W.P. and April, I hope you're able to come to terms with this. It was beyond your control. |
12.10.18: FDOT won't add netting to prevent suicides on the skyway. |
• Theo H., fbplugin, Just saying, from personal suicidal expirences, the phones are gonna save a very small fraction of jumpers. When you get suicidal and intend to follow through you get in a mindspace where you feel that death is the only way out of how your feeling or what you're dealing with. As well as the suicidal people don't want people to see them jump they just normally don't have a secluded area to jump. • Alexis R., fbplugin, I have a mental illness and have been suicidal many times. My doctor and my husband knew...but I hid it from my friends. I always lied when the invited me to do something. Taking a shower is difficult...not eating. It is not your fault when someone jumps. If someone is obsessed with the idea, they will find a way. I actually know of a woman who did jump and survived. She said that she changed her mind the second she jumped. I cannot even imagine that pain after the jump. It has been described as you body being cut by sharp cement. later: I am actually trying to start a SOS program. SOS is distress signal but also is going to mean..."sitting on skyway" which means putting people up there to sit...esp during the season...who want to really try to help. You may not be successufl but if you are...EVERYONES LIFE MATTERS |
12.02.18: possible jumper unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 12.02.18, Guam N., Terra Ceia, (11:00am, male, no crisis phones, hit water, died, body found), I saw this man jump, I am not sure of his name; or address. I am not sure where you can locate this information. 12.03.18, anon, any more info is welcome. |
12.01.18: possible jumper unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 12.03.18, anon, any more info is welcome. |
11.22.18: possible something, 9:30am unknown |
11.22.18, any more info is welcome. |
11.21.18: possible jumper/save, 7:29am unknown |
11.21.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0729, 1257, 5h28m
(5.5 hours for an attempt?) 11.21.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, ASSIST OTHER AGENCY, SKYWAY BG, 0809, 2107, 12h58m (13 hours assisting?) any more info is welcome. |
11.20.18: jumper, 5:33pm, male Thomas Albert Sessa, 48 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 11.20.18, Alimac, St.Pete, fl., Possible jumper 11/20, Activity on Skyway, boats, helicopter. Cops on both side of hump. Big delay. 11.20.18, d., palmetto, skyway suicide 11/20/2018 cops are everywhere sea land and air. traffics bad. little red kia 11.20.18, Jane Doe, 11.20.18, Paul, Bradenton, (6:30pm), Northbound side between 6 and 7. Several police cars surrounding a red Kia soul with a bunch of officers looking over the side. 11.20.18, Rachel T., facebook, Jumper reported. We are on top of the bridge not moving. There is a car parked with no one in it. 11.20.18, Hawt C., facebook, Jumper now. northbound, boats in the water with lights. traffic backed up in both directions. helicopters out 11.20.18, Mary G., facebook, Skyway Jumper @ 5:33pm. Sounded like it was a male. Chopper was circling for a while. Did not hear if body was found. 11.20.18, German G., any more info is welcome. |
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11.20.18, pinellascounty.org, 11.20.18, pcsoweb.com, 11.20.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1733, 0210, 8h37m |
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11.20.18, iontb/fb, Skyway Bridge: Expect delays northbound on the bridge due to police activity atop the Skyway. #MoveOver later: Delays now southbound as well. Vehicle left on top of the span. later: Confirmed jumper witnessed by road ranger. Mid aged white male | |||
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facebook post |
11.18.18: jumper, 5:30am, male, hit water, died, missing Christopher Machesney, 20 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 11.18.18, Tim, Jumper Sunday morning 5:23am S bound, 11.18.18, 11.20.18, Anon, St pete, (male), Knew a girl who dated him. Apparently at 5 am he was pulled over at the top of the bridge for a few hours and no one stopped to check on him. His final tweet posted was "It's for the best." Body has yet to be found. any more info is welcome. |
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11.18.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, ASSIST OTHER AGENCY, SKYWAY BG, 0534, 1549, 10h15m 11.18.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, REFER - FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL, SKYWAY BG, 1232, 1238, 0h6m |
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the barrier, articles mention step father's goal of jumper prevention. |
11.03.18: possible jumper/save, 10:14pm unknown |
11.03.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2214, 2235, 0h21m any more info is welcome. |
10.21.18: save, 6:00pm |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 10.21.18, 10.21.18, Nodz Art, facebook, is so weird, we were going south to Bradenton and were in traffic going up the skyway around 12:15 and saw fire engines, police cars and helicopter, activity was on northbound side. Then coming home from Bradenton, we saw a car with the door open on the northbound side with cop cars speeding up fast. That was right around 6:00 pm. Very weird. 10.21.18, Beth S., facebook, We witnessed this. First on scene was a DOT truck. He was talking to the person crying in the drivers seat. Then we saw FHP coming on the opposite side of the bridge and then SPPD. Thank goodness they saved this person. any more info is welcome. |
10.21.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MENTALLY ILL PERSON / NON VIOLENT, SKYWAY BG, 1755, 2044, 2h49m |
facebook post • Susana R., fbplugin, I’m so happy to hear they got to the Person in time today. I saw the black car pullover as I was coming accross, my heart sunk to be honest as my cousin jumped from that spot last year. I hope they get the help and support they need. |
10.21.18: jumper, approx. 12:00pm, male, died, body recovered same day David Stewart DeMersseman, 39 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 10.21.18, B B, Around 12 30 there was an incident. North bound side. Nobody was in the red car and all leo and ems were looking down over the side. Only pic i could get is attached. 10.21.18, Janet S., facebook comments plugin, Jumper on the Skyway now. Police there - 5 or so cars. Huge sign saying RIGHT lane is blocked & a whole line of people ignored it & then cursed at the left lanere, you know, the ones who can read. 10.21.18, Mirza S., facebook comments plugin, i pass by that car it was red toyota do you know she or him they jump 10.21.18, Billy S., facebook comments plugin, we saw them as well... was hoping it was just before down! 10.21.18, Matthew G., facebook comments plugin, I saw the man jump as I was headed to the Bucs game. Notifed police immediately. He just put one leg over the barrier, than another and let go in an eerily calm fashion. Will never forget it. 10.21.18, Terra B., facebook comments plugin, Red car & several police cars in northbouth lane. helicopter overhead, Photo taken at 12:39 today, as I was going southbound on the Skyway Bridge. On my way back to Tampa around 6:00 pm, there was several police again on northbound & southbound lanes with police around a black car on the northbound side. Very sad day. 10.22.18, Angelique S., iontb/fb, I saw this man put himself over the barrier. I saw him walk behind his car walk to the edge, lay his body down on the barrier, put one leg over then the other and then let go. It happened that quick, he was calm and it was so surreal and eerie. I can't get the image out of my head. The passenger in my car and I phoned the police immediately as we were descending on the bridge. I couldn't believe my eyes. I am visit relatives and this was my first time ever on this bridge. I am so saddened by this and to learn that others have done this. There was another man who posted on the skyway site by the name of Mathew who said he saw the same as me and also called the police. For some reason I can not comment on the site so I am leaving a message here. You are not alone, I saw it too and as you said "I will never forget it". I will not, either. 10.25.18, Tami N., facebook, I was on a boat anchored on the east side of the north arch- saw him jump. Still struggling with that vision in my head & heart 💔 any more info is welcome. |
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10.21.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1208, 1817, 6h9m | |||
10.21.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway Bridge: Multiple land and marine assets responding to the Skyway bridge after reports that a person may have jumped from the northbound center span. #MoveOver later: Body recovered | |||
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his father's murder: 05.03.10, valdostadailytimes.com, Valdosta man killed, David G. DeMersseman, 54, of Valdosta was shot and killed during a robbery at a Waffle House early Monday in Baton Rouge, La. DeMersseman was on a business trip, and was the sole customer in the restaurant at the time of the robbery, according to reports from the Advocate newspaper. At 1:20 a.m., a man in a mask went inside the Waffle House to rob it. When the gunman tried to take DeMersseman’s wallet, DeMersseman tried to grab the gun and the robber shot him before fleeing, according to the newspaper account and the Baton Rouge police report. "That is absolutely something my dad would do," said his son, Stewart DeMersseman. "I can see my dad trying to knock the gun out of his hand and he was probably quoting the Scriptures to him while he was doing it. That is totally in his character." Stewart confirmed that his father was on business, selling insurance for First Benefits of Macon. "He traveled quite a bit, every few months at least. He was actually on his way to Texas after he left Louisiana." "Early this morning, I had pangs in my heart," Stewart said. "Then the police came to tell me what happened to my dad." Stewart says his father was very involved in the community and had been his entire life. David DeMersseman is indeed a well-known figure in Valdosta, not only for his political aspirations but also for his community service. He was a high school basketball official for more than 30 years and volunteered annually with the YMCA’s Challenger League. An avid tennis player, DeMersseman was also active as a bridge player and was very involved at the Senior Center in town. From 1993 to 2000, DeMersseman held the position of Lowndes County assessor, but was unsuccessful in his bid to return to that elected post in 2008. In 2009, he ran unsuccessfully for a position on the Valdosta City Council. The Baton Rouge Police Department is seeking the suspect, who was described as a black male, young, with a small build. Stewart DeMersseman said the family is still in shock and has not yet made funeral arrangements for his father. DeMersseman has three children, Stewart, Suzanna and Daniel. 05.04.10, valdostadailytimes.com, Police arrest three in death of Valdostan, Baton Rouge, La., authorities have charged three suspects in the shooting death of a Valdosta man. David DeMersseman, 54, was reportedly shot and killed at a Baton Rouge Waffle House around 1:20 a.m. Monday, May 3. He was the only customer inside the restaurant when a masked man entered and committed armed robbery. According to the Baton Rouge Police Department, evidence led investigators to believe that the suspects were driving a white Mitsubishi Eclipse at the time of the incident. Less than 24 hours after the shooting, Baton Rouge Police Sgt. Don Kelly said that patrol officers Paul Brown and David Burtwell saw a vehicle matching the description of the suspects’ car, followed it and stopped it with the assistance of backup officers. Antonius Londre Jones, 21, Ikey Washington, 27, and Larry James Sterling, 28, all of Louisiana, are each charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery, according to reports. Jones is accused of being the actual shooter and robber. Sterling is accused of being the getaway driver. Washington is accused of being an accomplice by riding in the getaway vehicle. Kelly previously reported that DeMersseman was killed after attempting to subdue the gunman who was robbing him of his wallet. DeMersseman was shot and the gunman fled the scene. DeMersseman was very active on the local political scene and in the community. He unsuccessfully ran for Valdosta City Council in 2009 and Lowndes County Board of Assessors in 2008. He previously served on the Board of Assessors from 1993 to 2000. The father of three was a patron of the arts, especially theatre, and a sports fan. He was a self-proclaimed avid tennis player and loved watching high school and college sports. He had a passion for officiating basketball, which he had done for more than 30 years, and he had many fond memories of middle school and high school games. DeMersseman worked in insurance sales and said previously that he specialized in life and health insurance. He was on a business trip when the incident occurred. |
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facebook post
• Matthew G., fbplugin, I saw the man jump as I was headed to the Bucs game. Notifed police immediately. He just put one leg over the barrier, than another and let go in an eerily calm fashion. Will never forget it. • Terra B., fbplugin, Very sad day. Sorry you had to witness. ???? • Rhonda L., fbplugin, this bastard of a bridge took my fience of ten years away!!!!!! my heart is beyond broken. living across the st from each other is so very painful for me. It happend Oct 21 and his red toyata is sitting on the bridge........unreal...stewart Demerseman...please pray for us later: im still in denial. this was my fiaece i never knrew i could could hurt so much...i could use a little comfort here right now. later: it just does not seem real. whhhhyyyyy whhhyyy i love you,,,,,,how could you do this |
10.11.18: possible jumper, 9:58am unknown |
10.11.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0958, 1014, 0h16m any more info is welcome. |
09.30.18: save, after chase ends on top of the skyway, 4:45pm, male |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 10.04.18, Adam, Bradenton, (4:45pm, male), Wondering what happened to a man that was involved in a police chase that passed my wife and I in the south bound lanes just past the toll booth. The chase ended midspan with the guy standing with one foot on the bridge and one on his car... Police were trying to talk him down. I have a photo. any more info is welcome. |
09.30.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway Bridge: Police activity in Pinellas on I-275 south at Sunshine Skyway and traffic backed up until north rest area.
later: Person in custody. Troopers were attempting to stop the vehicle for quite some time. Ended atop the bridge. |
09.26.18: jumper, 6:29am, male, died, body recovered same day David Allen Saari, 67 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 09.26.18, Brian, Tampa, FL., (7:25am), On abc action news traffic report. Nb at the top, multiple fhp behind a car at the top. No other info 09.26.18, Bill E., Apparent Skyway jumper. Heard earlier that HCSO Aviation was headed to the Skyway. Now hearing talk between Pinellas & HCSO about the recovered body. Just heard that USCG has possession of the body. later: Jumper has been recovered. USCG has possession of the body. Setting up a rendezvous with HCSO marine Unit. HCSO seems to know who the jumper is. 09.26.18, Daniel C., facebook, Police are mid-span on the bridge right now possible jumper 09.26.19, Jen, Palmetto, Fl., White Mustang on top of the bridge. Several troopers looking over the edge. Saw several boats searching the water. 09.26.18, Bob, St pete., (7:00am), Several police cars at the top on the northbound side, along with a white Ford Mustang that did not appear to have a driver 09.26.18, JB, Sarasota, FL., Empty ford mustang at the top of the skyway around 7:30am, 6 patrol cars. One cop walking the perimeter looking over. 09.26.18, Melissa S., facebook.com/iontb, I saw this man jump and reported it. he looked desperate looked down put his leg over and jumped. May he rest in peace. 10.01.18, James M., Sarasota, Fl., I was taking a friend to the TPA airport at the crack of dawn and we drove past the mustang. When we were driving by as a state trooper had just arrived and was shinning his flash light over the side of the bridge. At that point all you can do is cringe 😬 any more info is welcome. |
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09.26.18,
anon, pinellascounty.org, 09.26.18, flhsmv.gov/fhp, 09.26.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 0642, 1633, 9h51m |
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09.26.18,
iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway
Bridge: First responders atop the northbound lanes of the bridge investigating
reports of possible suicide. Watch for slowdowns. 09.26.18, bradenton.com, Suicide reported on Sunshine Skyway Bridge, FHP says Authorities recovered the body of a person who apparently jumped from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge early Wednesday. The Florida Highway Patrol reported Wednesday morning they were assisting the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in responding to a suicide on the bridge. The incident was reported around 6:30 a.m., according to FHP. Emergency vehicles are on the right shoulder of northbound Interstate 275 near the top of the bridge. A spokeswoman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed officials located a body Wednesday morning. |
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03.12.18, wtsp.com, Missing 67-year-old Pinellas County man found safe Original Story: LARGO, Fla. -- Family is holding out hope David Allen Saari can return home safely. The 67-year-old man last was heard from Thursday, March 8, when he spoke with them, according to a Largo Police Department news release. Saari suffers from depression and reportedly has been under a great deal of stress lately. It's believed he's driving in his 2001 Gold Honda CRV with plate No. HUJF71. Anyone with information is asked to call Largo police detective Keith Wxxxx at 727-xxx-xxxx. 03.15.18, Update: LARGO, Fla. -- The Largo Police Department found a missing 67-year-old man safe on Thursday morning. David Allen Saari is in good condition, according to the police department. The department thanked the public for its help in finding Saari. |
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09.05.19, susan, Appleton, wisconsin, my brother jumped of the sunshine skyway bridge in Florida almost a year ago. never showed signs of being depressed. I Loved him so. today is 9/5/2019. feeling sad and grieving. Have empathy for people not anger. they are truly hurting :(. facebook post • Susan R., fbplugin, I would Love to help somehow.. I live in wisconsin and disabled. My brother jumped on september 23 , 2018.. 6 months prior he was missing by a rest area and was not founf for 6 days sitting in his cars??/ t was on the news and was supposed to be looking for him.. .. do not understand Fdot or any of this..He wa contemplating but did not do it..then 6 months later jumped to his death. :( Like I said above ..It will be a year 9/23/2018 :( I will help what do you need?? I live in wisconsin..please reply. do not ket this site die or go under please!!!!! Skyway Bridge, fbplugin, i am sorry for your loss. other than writing or otherwise calling state officials, i really don't think there is much that can be done. the state already decided that spending $15,600,000 on a fancy disco lighting system for the bridge, is far more important than jumper prevention. at this point, it's hard to imagine that anything will be done and bridge jumpers will now have the opportunity to jump into a light show. |
09.23.18: possible jumper, 9:30pm unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 09.23.18, JS., Florida, Approx 9:30 PM, Approached bridge from the north, three pairs of police (highway patrol?) sped by, all were stopped at top of bridge where a tan SUV with "Salt Life" decal was stopped. I didn't see anyone inside. 09.23.18, several boats west of the main span. any more info is welcome. |
09.23.18, pinellascounty.org/911 |
09.18.18: possible something unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 09.18.18, Eric B., facebook, Police with a bicycle northbound lanes just south of the hump. Didn't see anyone else in or around the cruiser. any more info is welcome. |
09.18.18: possible something, male unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 09.18.18, Bill E., facebook scanner group, White Nissan on top of Skyway. Being checked by FHP & HCSO is sending a marine unit. later: It is a subject that TPD has been looking for & had made HCSO aware of him being wanted. Subject is still in his car. HCSO Marine & Aviation units enroute. any more info is welcome. |
09.03.18: possible jumper, 2:30am unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 09.03.18, Bill E., facebook scanner group, HCSO headed to area of Skyway Suicidal suspect threatening suicide. Car's GPS shows it is in the rest area near the Skyway. Being traced by Snapchat. HCSO is taking the stance that their jurisdiction is only center span & in referring call to St Pete, FHP & Manatee. Unwilling to cruise the area looking for a Black Camry......to save a life!..NICE. any more info is welcome. |
08.27.18: save, 4:19pm, female |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 08.27.18, Gillian, Tampa, FL., (4:30pm, female, was stopped from jumping, taken away), Post today at 4:29pm from the public FB group "Tampa-Hillsborough County FL. Police-Fire-EMS scanner" ): "HCSO to Skyway bridge Report of female sitting on edge, northbound, White 'work' van parked nearby. FHP enroute also. HCSO marine unit headed that way." Commenter reported at 4:30pm that "FHP got her down". 08.27.18, Sydni S., facebook, I think there was a jumper. Abandoned car at the top. North bound lanes. any more info is welcome. |
08.27.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
ASSIST OTHER AGENCY, SKYWAY BG, 1619, 1627, 0h8m |
08.22.18: jumper, 11:30, male, hit water, died, body recovered Jimmie Joe Bruner Jr., 47 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 08.22.18, Bill E., facebook scanner group, Skyway Bridge, HCSO responding FHP & St Pete police on scene with an empty car with flashers on, at center span, southbound. later: All of the usual 'jumper' units responding from St Pete. Pinellas 911 website, grid 723s. later: HCSO deputy reporting that St Pete police are on scene with witnesses that saw somebody jump. later: HCSO calling out the aviation unit to search. later: HCSO got the call @ 11:27, but Pinellas & FHP were there already. It was a very slow moving incoming tide, so they had the search area narrowed down to a small area. 08.23.18, Tabitha K., facebook scanner group, Yes male jumper at 11:30, body recovered at 2:30 a.m. later: It's says a shrimp boat found him until police got there and transported body to marina. Apparently a witness got out and was trying to talk to him, but seen FHP and then was hanging over the side and just let go. 😭 so sad. 08.23.18, Anon, Male jumper tonight on north bound peak at about 11:30 PM. Newer Black or dark VW Jetta or Passat. When I passed I saw car pulled over and man sitting on concrete barrier with feet over side. I pulled over and called 911. Then tried talking to him. When an off duty St Pete police officer arrived in his patrol vehicle jumper immediately put his body over side and hung from barrier by his hands then let go. We heard him hit the water. Please give update on jumpers condition. So sad to witness. 08.23.18, Vickie, Tampa, (2:40am, male, died, body found), Heard on police scanner shrimp boat in bay had body with a pole, police boat gonna take body to marina. 08.23.18, anon, 11:20 last night. Male jumped from SB lanes. Deceased. 08.24.18, Jordan P., facebook, My co-worker (we are tow truck drivers) was on the bridge doing a tire change, said the guy pulled up right behind him and the customer, got out of his car and didn't even hesitate, just jumped right over the rail any more info is welcome. |
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08.22.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 2336, 0538, 6h2m | |||||||
11.16.10, tbnweekly.com, Tractor trailer chase ends in arrest Pinellas Park police officers chased down a tractor trailer that was pushing other cars and being driven recklessly on Park Boulevard Nov. 6, and eventually pulling the driver out of his cab when he stopped at a red light in St. Petersburg. Jimmie Joe Bruner, 39, a St. Petersburg truck driver for Con-way was arrested for fleeing and eluding law enforcement, reckless driving and driving under the influence. "At the time of the arrest, he was showing signs of some kind of impairment," department spokesman Brian Unmisig said. Pinellas Park dispatch first received a call at 9:14 p.m. Nov. 6. for a large red tractor truck without a trailer pushing cars as he drove east on Park Boulevard. Police caught up with the truck in the 4500 block of the roadway. It was being followed by three or more cars with their hazard lights on, Unmisig said. Once it passed the intersection for U.S. 19, the truck appeared to be pulling over and stopping, but then accelerated back into eastbound traffic of Gandy Boulevard, driving only 30 mph. In the 3500 block of the road, the truck pulled onto the grass on the right side of the road, near Robert's Mobile Home and RV Resort. It slowed, but did not stop. Instead, the truck got on the southbound ramp to Interstate 275, driving 55 mph. Police created a rolling roadblock with their cars behind the truck to keep traffic from catching up with the swerving truck. At 22nd Avenue North in St. Petersburg, police deployed stop sticks, which the truck swerved to miss. The truck then got off at a downtown exit, eventually getting onto Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street. The driver stopped at the red light for Fifth Avenue South. Police officers approached the truck and opened the driver's side door, ordering Bruner out of the cab at gunpoint, Unmisig said. Bruner refused to obey any commands, staring at the officers "as if we were not speaking to him," the police report stated. Bruner was forcibly removed from his cab. The truck then rolled backwards, into a police vehicle, which carried a relative of one of the officers on a ridealong. The vehicle sustained damage but no one was injured. Bruner's eyes were glassy, his pupils constricted and his speech slurred. He asked the officers what he had done, Unmisig said. He failed sobriety tests, but a breathalyzer test proved negative for alcohol. He submitted a urine sample to be tested for other drugs, but refused to answer officers' questions. St. Petersburg police dispatch also received calls at around 1 p.m. that same day about a truck driver that was driving recklessly. The driver, described as a white male, was asking people for crack, according to the police report. |
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08.26.18, Marion P., facebook, He was a friend of the family. he had a twin brother in Indiana. I'm devastated and this breaks my heart. I know I am haunted by this. I keep thinking there is something I could have done or said. He told my husband and I that we were like his mom and dad.😥😥😥. I hurt and I can't imagine how much his family hurts. I can't believe Jimmie doing that and his face keeps flashing before me. 08.28.18, Angela L., mydeathspace.com, I wonder if he held on because he had second thoughts? Most people just jump from that bridge. Sure hope this guy is at peace now. 08.28.18, Denise J., mydeathspace.com, There are so many suicide survivors having instant regrets right after they've jumped. Its a sad scary feeling. How many of them felt instant regrets but still died? facebook post • disagreement • Chris R., fbplugin, I'm SO very sorry, everybody. I did not know him, but I DO know the absolute, soul crushing pain caused by the suicide of a loved one. In time, the pain will lessen up a bit, but it will always be there-- just under the surface. I truly wish & hope everyone finds peace. • Joe W., fbplugin, this is so sad :( this just happened days after me and my adoptive dad drove over that bridge! he said that the priest even announced it at church and told everyone to pray for the man who jumped off this bridge :( i always knew there was something scary about the skyway bridge. it's really sad that people do this to themselves. it's a horrible way to die :( I really sorry that that poor man was suffering so much :( ? I hope he's at peace in the afterlife :( ? • Chrissy K., fbplugin, I have known Jimmie for 30+ years and talked to him often on the phone. I never knew he was so broken inside to do something like this. It breaks my heart. Prayers for his family. I will always remember him. Have many memories of growing up together. • Brandon P., fbplugin, Heard news yesterday my friend of over 30 years was gone, very sad to here Jimmie had a heart of gold and will always be remembered. Love ya Bro!! • Robbie W., fbplugin, I'm shocked because I actually met this man once, and he was very kind to me. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family and friends. Although I only met Jimmie that one time, I still remember him once I saw his picture here. I hope the family and friends will be able to find comfort and peace in time. • Kristi K., fbplugin, I wish i was there for you....RIP my dear sweet Jimmie • Sandra A., fbplugin, I can't believe you did this Jimmie! My prayers for Donny n your family! I'm going to miss you. Love you! Rest in peace my friend! |
08.06.18: possible jumper or save, 9:15pm unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 08.06.18, Tyler D., St. Pete, FL, regarding: Jumper Prevented, Just drove over the Skyway bridge. There were 2 FHP troopers and 2 Pinellas troopers on the northbound side of the bridge at the top. At the front of a pedestrian vehicle was a woman sitting with her legs crossed on the ground with her head in her hands. There was a trooper kneeling behind her with his hand on her upper back. It looks like either they prevented her from jumping or somebody with her had jumped. This was at 9:15 PM on August 6, 2018 any more info is welcome. |
08.01.18: possible jumper unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 08.02.18, medusa, Sarasota, What was going on last night (08/01/2018) at around midnight- we were heading home from a concert and there were loads of emergency vehicles- Northbound, before the peak- I am thinking maybe an accident but can't find anything-- any more info is welcome. |
07.29.18: possible jumper unknown |
07.29.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2322, 0041, 1h19m 07.29.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUSPICIOUS PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 2324, 2325, 0h1m any more info is welcome. |
07.26.18: possible jumper unknown |
07.26.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1842, 1849, 0h7m any more info is welcome. |
07.25.18: possible jumper unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 07.25.18, Jane D., 07.26.18, Dave R., Tampa, FL., regarding: Possible jumper yesterday, Traffic was awful southbound I-75 over the Skyway. When I got to the top of the span I saw a black car pulled off to the right, blinker on, no one in the car. any more info is welcome. |
07.17.18: probable save, male |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 07.17.18, reliable source, facebook, There was a guy hanging over the rail tonight on the phone. Before fhp arrives he fled in vehicle and was pursued by fhp. Eventually they stopped him. Multiple people reported it. Fhp and PCSO were chasing him. any more info is welcome. |
07.16.18: jumper, 8:20pm, female, hit water, died, body recovered Susan Van Ostenbridge, 57 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 07.16.18, anon, (9:07pm), Troopers on the bridge. Boats in the water 07.16.18, Maureen B., iontb/fb, Just came from there. Saw the car with the hazards on and the driver door still open. So sad 07.17.18, Mark D., facebook, (07.16.18), Police boats and helecopters flying around the bridge last night... another jumper? 07.17.18, Scott P., facebook, A possible jumper last night at 10:30, can't say for sure, as crossing the bridge saw numerous FHP cruisers on each side at the top and pedestrian cars also. Looked like police boats in the water. Any info on this? 07.17.18, Mike Z., facebook, Update to the jumper from 7/16. Female jumper died and was found by myself floating about a mile inside the bay in the shipping channel. I called it in the manatee sheriff was the first boat to arrive followed by marine patrol. any more info is welcome. |
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07.16.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MISSING PERSONS - ADULT NOT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 2024, 0157, 5h33m | |||
07.16.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway: Watch for emergency crews working on the bridge after reports of a person that jumped from the bridge | |||
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12.11.23, abcactionnews.com,
Preventative measures on Skyway cause drastic decline in suicides. Five people have jumped to their death since fence installed in 2021. MANATEE COUNTY, Fla., Kevin Van Ostenbridge remembers his aunt, Susan, as always being the life of every family gathering. But that all changed one night in July 2018. "My family woke up to calls in the middle of the night. It was (Florida) Highway Patrol calling my cousins to, unfortunately, tell my aunt that her car was found on the top of the Skyway," Ostenbridge shared. "We’re all from here, born and raised here, and know what that means." In the days that followed, his family all gathered and waited until her body was ultimately found in the waters of South Tampa Bay. It’s a phone call too many families have received over the years. Susan Van Ostenbridge was one of 15 people who jumped to their death from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in 2018. Another 17 people also attempted or threatened suicide from the bridge that year. The Bob Graham Sunshine Skyway Bridge is one of Tampa Bay’s most well-known landmarks. Yet for decades, the bridge has been the scene of tragedy, attracting people contemplating suicide. Various preventative measures have been installed over the years, helping to save lives. Van Ostenbridge, a Manatee County Commissioner, said that although his aunt did struggle with mood swings and with her relationships with family members over the years, they never thought she would take her own life. "Had any of us known, we would have immediately been there for her and taken whatever steps necessary to get her the help that she needed," Van Ostenbridge said. Preventative measures on the bridge include signs, emergency call boxes, and a fence installed in 2021. "This fence line is giving someone a second opportunity to think about what they are trying to do, and hopefully, they’ll take this as a sign that they should not be doing this," said Florida Highway Patrol Trooper Kenneth Watson. Before the fence was installed, there was an average of one suicide per month. But since its completion, five people have died after jumping from the bridge, a stark decline. The most recent death, just two weeks ago, was the first in 19 months. Six call boxes, three on each span of the bridge installed in 1999, have also been effective. Those phones connect directly to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, with a special ring tone, so counselors already know someone on the bridge is in need. Those call boxes also alert the Florida Highway Patrol, which has a trooper always assigned to the area around and including the Skyway Bridge. "No one has ever jumped that has picked up one of those phones," Watson said. A counselor from the Crisis Center will talk to them until help arrives. "Whatever is on their heart, whatever they need to say," CEO Clara A. Reynolds said. "Because at the same time they are talking to us, FHP is on the way." But just because these preventative measures save someone’s life, the crisis center knows that does not mean suicidal thoughts just go away. "My message to you all is the world is never a better place without you. We need you here, and the pain that you are feeling right now, there is a way to get to the other side of that," Reynolds said. "The most important portion of this journey is to just pick up the phone and dial 988 right now." If you or a loved one are considering suicide, dial 988 to reach the suicide and crisis lifeline. |
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07.21.18, Blair, Trout Creek, Canada, "Susan was full of life, love, & laughter... She made friends everywhere she went, made everyone smile, & always wanted to help others." Also a mother and grandmother... how sad to end it like this. Rest in peace sweet lady. Jfer L., facebook comments plugin, So sad. My prayers are with the family and friends. Sometimes you just can't help. The pain inside can be far too hard to deal with. May she rest in peace. facebook post, • 07.19.18, Katie S., Sushi was a friend, a classmate, a mother, grandmother, sister.. I am in such shock. She was always such a happy outgoing person. You never know who is struggling and how your actions impact others. I am beyond heartbroken that she felt the need to do this. She was loved by so many. Mental health is real. Please.. everyone reach out to someone. There is always help and always a way. I love you Sushi and will miss you. • 07.19.18, Donna M., I definitely considered her my friend. I've only knew her through working with my father at my house a couple times a week, but we certainly had a bond. Made us laugh until we nearly cried! She was very professional don't get me wrong, but we had a great time and looked forward to the following day that she was to come over. Unfortunately, she didn't make it over on Tuesday :'( ughhh just can't wrap my head around this. Such a tragedy |
07.16.18: attempted flip off the bridge on a dare?, male unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 07.17.18, anon, facebook, You hearing anything about last night's jumper doing so on a dare? That he attempted to do a flip? Supposedly this was also live streamed. any more info is welcome. |
07.16.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway: Male reportedly was on fb live and brother reported it. Witness saw him jump, Eckerd college and uscg continued search. Pcso helo searched briefly |
07.14.18: possible jumper, 2:50pm unknown |
07.14.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1453, 1512, 0h19m any more info is welcome. |
07.10.18: jumper, male, hit water, survived for awhile, died later Stephen Palmeri, 36 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 07.10.18, Adam g., stopped vehicles south bound message: 4 or more vehicles stopped looking over south bound. Any word? 07.10.18, anon, 36yr old male jumper, survived. picked up by a goodsam who heard a splash in the water. goodsam picked jumper from water once he realized he was still alive.. transferred to fireboat who took them to oneils marina for EMS. 07.10.18, Mark J., iontb/fb, Police still on scene smaller Hyundai or Kia sedan greenish gray color. Very minimal slow down. Southbound. 2:54pm, People rubbernecking. 07.10.18, Beth B., facebook, Current 911 calls. Report in a scanner group of an unoccupied vehicle on top of the Skyway with a pair of flip flops next to the car. Coast Guard is out. No other information. (acronyms) 07.10.18, Stephanie Z., facebook, My husband just came over the north bound side of the bridge, said a car abandoned and several cop cars at the top. 07.10.18, anon, Heard a splash while fishing by the skyway. Found a guy trying to swim. Pulled him into boat and transferred to fire boat on the way to Maximo. He didn't survive. If you are thinking about doing this please please seek help. Young boys didn't need to learn about this like they did today. any more info is welcome. |
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07.10.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 1310, 1837, 5h27m | ||||
07.10.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway Bridge: Watch for slowdowns on the bridge. Law enforcement investigating after a person was retrieved from the water below by a good samaritan vessel. Person transported to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. 07.10.18, bradenton.com, Man jumps from Sunshine Skyway Bridge, cops say. A spokesman for the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office confirmed Tuesday afternoon a person had jumped from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Someone saw the man and was able to get to them while he was still alive, the spokesman said. However, he did not survive. No other information was immediately available. A gold four-door sedan with its flashers on was seen parked near the peak of the Sunshine Skyway. Traffic was slightly delayed southbound on the bridge Tuesday afternoon. 07.10.18, abcactionnews.com, Off-duty Winter Haven firefighter tries to save man who jumped off the Sunshine Skyway; The firefighter was fishing in a nearby boat. TAMPA, Fla. — Florida Highway Patrol troopers said they responded to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Tuesday afternoon after a man jumped off the bridge. Off-duty firefighter and EMT, Tim Magee, heard a splash and saw the man in the water. "He just kept saying help me, help me," said Magee. Magee didn't think twice. He was with six people in a boat when they rushed over to help the man. "He said he jumped and from there, we had to get his name and age from the Coast Guard," said Magee. Magee has worked as a firefighter for the city of Winter Haven for nearly 10 years. "I was very surprised, he was still alive. Even at 30 feet, you are most likely going to die from that fall," said Magee. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said the man who jumped was taken to a hospital, but later died. FHP said the Skyway Bridge ranks as one of the most common bridges in the country for people taking their own lives. FHP said three (correction: 13) people died in 2017 from jumping off the bridge. In 2016 and 2015, 12 people died. There are six telephones across the Skyway Bridge for people to use if they are contemplating suicide. The phones connect to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. Intervention Specialists say look for warning signs including isolation or a change in a loved one's behavior. "Feeling hopeless and saying they're a burden to their family or friends," said Liza Cepeda, Program Manager. The Crisis Center said it has seen an increase in calls, but that's a positive thing because it means people are getting help. If you or a loved one needs help you can call 2-1-1 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. (more help.)
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07.10.18, anon, Tampa, stephen p. jumped. he had demons but its not him i worry about. its the family he left behind. 07.10.18, Mary P., facebook, First and foremost, I hope anyone thinking of jumping gets the help they need. Pick up the call box phone, call a friend, a loved one... call a hospital. Secondly, jumping off a major bridge rarely kills you on impact. It is possibly the most brutal and painful way to do this. You shatter all your bones, and bob and slowly suffocate - if not in the water, than your own blood. The stories of the few survivors out there should be heard. And if you are found alive, your condition is impossible to predict. Vegetative state, paraplegic, quadriplegic... please, please think about this. 07.10.18, Sheila K., iontb/fb, A friend of mine was driving by and saw him get out of his car and jump! 07.14.18, Blair, Trout Creek, Canada, How bizarre the human brain works... from a suicide jump adjacent to an unused help phone on the SSB, to crying for help from a nearby boat, seconds after hitting the water: "He just kept saying help me, help me"... we can only wonder how many people change their mind immediately after leaping from the bridge, with no turning back from the force of gravity. I guess this would be an interesting poll of those who survived; how many changed their mind while they were free-falling. (we have heard that the percentage is closer to 99% and that it is immediately after the leap. one can only imagine the mindset of an individual on the edge, both figuratively and physically. the letting go and the immediate regret, then the intense pain and slow lingering death. tragic. thanks for the contact, it's nice to hear from you again.) 06.27.19, ANON, tampa, He wasnt on drugs or drunk. No note or known motivation. Probably just tired of his nutso family. facebook post |
07.06.18: jumper, 9:27pm, hit water, survived unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 07.06.18, Tim, Palmetto, regarding: Jumper 7/6/18, 21:45, message: GRID 723S MEDICAL R11, D5, LR1, PD3, 337, FB11, E3, USCG, FFWC, T11, E11, ECSR5, PCSOM, HCSO, E Not sure of outcome, but my wife called me and she was going over the bridge right as emergency crews were responding. (acronyms) 07.08.18, Chris W., facebook, We saw this man walking facing northbound traffic and called 911 at 927 pm then saw police heading there two minutes later he had a distance yet to walk to get to top so either he jumped at lower part or police didn't get him in time he was wearing a backpack we wondered if maybe to weigh himself down. We were up all night thinking about this and was hoping it was nothing... very sad and pray he recovers. (if he indeed jumped from a lower portion of the bridge, then that would explain his better than average ability to survive his jump. the pitch of the deck is rather steep, so it does not take much distance from the top, to descend to a less lethal elevation.) any more info is welcome. |
07.06.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2134, 0217, 4h43m |
07.06.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway Bridge: Watch for slowdowns as rescue crews work atop the span in the northbound lanes. update: Person pulled from the water below holding onto the bridge. Conscious and going to Bayfront. |
facebook post |
06.29.18: save, male |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 06.29.18, Claudia H., facebook, Just a heads up I just saw a man walking on the Northbound side of the bridge towards the top span. I called FHP and they said they received several calls and we're sending people out it was on the Pinellas County side of the bridge. I was driving north. He was walking against traffic headed south towards the span. later: I called for an update from fhp. They said they removed him from the bridge later: I saw the fire truck and 2 ems trucks headed south from Pinellas to come back north bc of Pinellas county jurisdiction. He was on a mission. They said other ppl called so that's good news. I've only ever seen empty cars and police. Never an actual person. So it wrecked my whole day with wonder. Oh well. I have to hope I helped save someone from something terrible 07.03.18, Jeffrey P., Tampa, Florida, (male, used crisis phones, didn't jump, taken away), He was my uncle. He is currently getting therapy. any more info is welcome. |
06.23.18: possible save, 07:56pm unknown |
06.23.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MENTALLY ILL PERSON/NON VIOLENT, 3839, SKYWAY BG, 1956, 2017 any more info is welcome. |
06.15.18: jumper, 6:45am, died, body found John Charles Wright, 53 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 06.15.18, Kelley C., St Petersburg, There was a lot of first responder activity on the south bound lanes this morning at 7 am. What was that all about? 06.15.18, Tim, Palmetto, Pinellas County EMS/Fire Administration, active call as of Fri Jun 15 2018 07:43:19, GRID 723S, MEDICAL, Happened approximately 0700 AM 06.15.18, lisa b., clearwater, fl., abandoned car on bridge per local radio, southbound lane closed
06.15.18, John M., St Pete, FL., Heard confirmed on radio, 102.5, about 0730 this morning. Body recovered. If they mentioned a name; then I missed it. When I passed, around 0705, while going Northbound, EMS was rolling South down the hill and about 12 State Troopers at top. I could not see nor confirm patrol boat in the water. 06.15.18, Terri K., iontb/fb, Passed by as they're hooking up vehicle. Looked to be a Honda Element, blue in color. 06.15.18, Jane D., any more info is welcome. |
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06.15.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0638, 1616, 9h38m | |||
06.15.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway Bridge: Expect delays in the southbound lanes as emergency crews arriving onscene of a suicide from the top of the bridge. Marine units enroute. Update: Body recovered by marine unit from St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. Confirmed death. |
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06.16.18, Laura O., facebook, Made me sad I passed the car and police at about 7:30am. It was my birthday and had just lost a friend to suicide the previous morning. I cried all the way to work. We have to do something I this world to change the mental health of people. What is that bad??? So very sad. Prayers for all 05.23.20, Dustin B., facebook, June 15th 2018. A buddy and I were under the bridge fishing from our small center console that morning. Anchored waiting for a nice sunrise and morning bite. Perfect weather, smooth seas. We got out there about 6am, still dark. Not even 30 minutes later just before the sun was coming up, someone jumped and landed in the water about 200 feet from us, the sound alone of a body hitting the water at that speed is sickening but If your unfortunate enough to actually put eyes on a body after a jump like that it’s something You won’t ever forget. Now mind you it’s still dark, we didn’t realize at the time what actually happened, it wasn’t until an hour later when we noticed something floating in the water. We had no idea at the time still, that someone had jumped and ended their life right in front of us. Almost on top Of us. The mangled corpse was hardly identifiable as a body the way it sat precariously floating on the surface. Just barely visible to us. Arms and legs all different directions. We couldn’t see any emergency lights on the top of the bridge from our angle. We didn’t hear anything else, We joked about someone jumping as if it was so unlikely it was silly to even suggest. It wasn’t until we saw coast guard and police boats heading directly towards us that we knew something wasn’t right. Still in somewhat disbelief we couldn’t bring ourselves to go towards the body or leave for that matter. We watched as the cg boats got close and idled around under the bridge, we flagged them over towards us and pointed to the area where the body lay floating still. Then it hit us, when we saw the cg pull the body into their boat and start to head back towards shore, what we had truly just experienced. Someone just ended their own life, a poor tortured soul that couldn’t take it on this earth any longer, battling their own demons, they decided the only thing left to do was end their life that morning. As if that wasn’t creepy and depressing enough to dwell On, it made me Realize how truly fragile and short life is. I was 2 months away from being a father to My first born daughter, my Wife at home still sleeping safe in bed, all I could think about was what would have happened if we had anchored in a different spot and a body landed on our boat? What if someone without knowing, jumped from the bridge and landed on a boat killing us or someone else in the process. Unlikely? Probably. Impossible? Definitely not. I learned that lesson. I still haven’t been back under the bridge to this day. I can drive over it no problem but I still get goosebumps and a sick stomach when I think about going under on a boat.....that morning changed not only my outlook on a lot of things in life, but made me realize that we need something more than just a phone at the top of the bridge, before any else has to die, or worse, before an innocent life is lost like could have happened that morning. I know I can’t be the only person to have experienced an event like that but I’ve never heard any stories, so before that changes let’s get that fence up and pray this ends the stigma of suicide by skyway. a reply: 01.05.22, Maria B., facebook, Dustin B., thankyou he was my friend and coworker for 15 years he was an amazing person ... Just sometimes you can only help someone if they want help .. I am so sorry you both had to witness he death . facebook post |
06.03.18: save, 6:00pm |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 06.03.18, Billy C., facebook, guy hanging over the ledge on top of skyway. He rode his bike up it. 06.03.18, Donna L., facebook, They got him he's now in back of cop car. 06.03.18, facebook, Friend went over bridge about 30 mins ago, bicycle at jumper box - appears they got to guy before he jumped. any more info is welcome. |
06.03.18: possible jumper, 6:42am unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 06.03.18, Shannon S., facebook, 6:42am, Jumper on south side? Cops and empty car right now. I was heading to work in st pete this am. Like 6 cop cars and an empty car at the top. 06.03.18, Ryan W., facebook comments plugin, 2 Cops on top of the bridge on the southbound side investigating a suspicious car. any more info is welcome. |
06.03.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MENTALLY ILL PERSON / NON VIOLENT, SKYWAY BG, 0600, 0817, 2h17m |
06.01.18: possible jumper, 9:30am unknown |
06.01.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 0931, 1425,
4h54m any more info is welcome. |
05.31.18: possible jumper, 9:00am unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 06.02.18, Allie M., facebook, We were under the skyway and a car was stopped in front of a jumper box ... didn't see a person but Sheriff's boat, Sheriff's helicopter circle over us and very low, and saw Eckerd college and FIsh & wildlife. Saw no cops on the bridge any more info is welcome. |
05.31.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0910, 1122, 2h12m |
05.30.18: possible save, 7:00pm, male, never jumped |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 05.30.18, Bill, Male on northbound looking over. 05.30.18, anon, st petersburg, (7:00pm, male, never jumped), I have spoken to the sergeant in charge of this area before as I am a daily commuter. I said there has to be something citizens in the are can do. He was very rude and informed me they have cameras on there to watch activity. Driving home from work I saw a young male looking over northbound and after realizing what was going on I pulled around and entered southbound. I was able to speak with him from the median after crossing and he got into his car after a moment or two and drove off. No one else bothered stopping. A cop approached after I got back into my car for a minute or two and said he had been stopped at the bottom of the bridge. Think about how long that was that I was able to exit and re-enter and get across and talk. Is there something we can do locally to expedite a process of getting nets up there or civilian volunteer shifts? This is happening way too much. Please note I will not post pictures as I only did it in an attempt to secure his license plate number as he drove down the bridge. any more info is welcome. |
05.30.18, pinellascounty.org,
(acronyms) 05.30.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1507, 1817, 3h10m |
05.29.18: possible jumper, female unknown |
05.29.18, KJ, Tampa, FL., Saw an approximate 70 yr old female parked and looking down northbound. There was construction and police ahead. I wish I could off stop but left lane was blocked. Saw a police car and ambulance hitting south a few minutes later. Hope she did not jump. Please confiem she is ok and that no one jumped tonight. any more info is welcome. |
05.29.18: jumper, 12:00pm, male, died, body not found Daniil Rostvinsky (Rostvinschii), 21 |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 05.29.18, Bill, Doesn't look good, likely another person today 05.29.18, Tracy, Ruskin, (12:30pm), Just came over Skyway southbound. Coast Guard, police and rescue there. Appear to be looking for a jumper. Car at the top of the bridge. 05.29.18, Beth B., facebook, Current 911 calls. Report in a scanner group of an unoccupied vehicle on top of the Skyway with a pair of flip flops next to the car. Coast Guard is out. No other information. 05.29.18, Emily R., facebook, My husband just sent me a text message, he's stopped at the top of the skyway bridge. Lots of cars are stopped. He thinks there's a jumper. later: Yep. That's what it appears to be. He just passed the medical crew and the sheriffs department. 05.29.18, Courtney P., This is all I have... I don't know what else to say... 05.29.18, Aiden, St. Petersburg, Saw jumper today going southbound while ubering around noon. Saw coast guard helicopters searching on my way back. 05.29.18, Steve, Englewood, florida, I saw the guy get out of his car and climb over the barrier and jump today when i was going south on the bridge. 05.29.18, Court P., facebook, a dark blue Honda Civic with black rubber flip flops in front of it 05.29.18, Tommy V., facebook, Was there... at least 5 boats, coast guard and hcso chopper... and saw many police vehicles. Sad 05.30.18, LLewis, St.Petersburg, regarding: Jumper 5-29-18, As I was driving northbound over the Skyway bridge I notice a person to my left in the southbound lanes just walked over and jumped over the wall of the skyway and disappeared. I went to the northbound rest stop and did a U-turn to go back to assure myself that what I just witnessed really happened. SO SAD 😞 there are numerous reports of two different jumper incidents, a male and a female. any more info is welcome. |
005.29.18, flhsmv.gov, 05.29.18, pcsoweb.com, 05.29.18, pinellascounty.org, (a href="misc/acronym.htm" target="_blank">acronyms) 05.29.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1206, 1808, 6h2m 05.29.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1244, 1246, 0h2m |
005.29.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway Bridge: Rescuers on and below the Skyway bridge after reports of a person jumping from the bridge. Left a vehicle in the southbound lanes. #MoveOver 05.29.18, bradenton.com, Florida Highway Patrol troopers were called to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Tuesday after receiving reports that someone abandoned their vehicle and jumped from the bridge, according to FHP public affairs officer Sgt. Steve Gaskins. The Florida Highway Patrol live traffic map website showed troopers responded to a suicide on the bridge shortly after noon Tuesday, blocking the outside southbound lane. Southbound traffic on the bridge was slowed to a crawl around 2 p.m. as two police cars were pulled over behind an abandoned blue, 4-door vehicle. Troopers say the vehicle was left running on the bridge. As of midday, there has been no recovery of a body. The case has been turned over to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. |
Daniil Rostvinsky - facebook.com • youtube.com • mydeathspace.com/forum |
06.29.18, Angel V., facebook, Hey. On May 29, a guy jumped from the sunshift bridge (it happened in the morning). This is our close friend. We do not know whether he is alive or dead. Help us please. Maybe you have a video of this jump. Thanks in advance. (we are not on the list to receive an official skyway jumper video from anyone in charge of such things. there are tower mounted remote controlled video cameras at the 10.4 and 10.6 mile markers, monitoring the common jumping points, which are primarily around the crisis phones. we keep hearing denials that these cameras record these events and even that the cameras are there for traffic monitoring purposes only. we have still shots from these cameras, of jumper activity
that are posted on this site. we firmly believe that the powers-that-be are lying, when they say they do not record jumper activities. there would be no logical reason for them not to record. we used to have web access to the still shot images, but those are now restricted. anyone with access, is more than welcome to anonymously pass along that information. taxpayers pay for them and they should have access to the imagery they take and record.) facebook post |
05.23.18: possible something unknown |
05.23.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MENTALLY ILL PERSON / NON VIOLENT, SKYWAY BG, 0348, 0645,
2h57m any more info is welcome. |
05.22.18: possible something unknown |
05.22.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 0909, 1432, 4h23m 05.22.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, ASSIST OTHER AGENCY, SKYWAY BG, 1440, 1531, 0h51m any more info is welcome. |
05.18.18: jumper, 10:11pm, male Jeffrey M. Bradshaw, 35 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 05.18.18, Bill E., facebook/scanner group, Just heard HCSO chopper en route. Possible 32(suicide). later: HCSO chopper turned around due to heavy rain. All usual 'jumper' units on scene. USCG, FFWC, ECSR, FB11, MARINE 19. Listening to Pinellas Co scanner. Believed to be a 35yo male jumped @ 22:14. All boats running search patterns. 05.18.18, Kaleigh R., St. Petersburg, FL., (10:30pm), My boyfriend and I were driving NB back to St. Pete from Sarasota. On the SB side, there was an ambulance and many police officers/rescuers going through the trunk and interior of a grey sedan. (not sure what make/model) Officials were looking over the sides to see if they could see anyone. Any more info would be greatly appreciated! Thoughts & prayers to those affected. 05.19.18, Jeremy, Largo, FL., (05.18.18, 12:30am, male), I was on my police scanner last night and heard the U.S.Coast Guard say they were looking for a white male with brown eyes and brown hair. who may have been in the water from the center span of the bridge. The search was called off at 12:30am. any more info is welcome. |
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05.18.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 2211, 0204, 3h53m | |||
05.18.18, iontb/fb, Skyway: Expect delays on the Skyway Bridge as rescuers search for a reported jumper from the bridge. comments: • Jeff M., Just drove by. Abandoned car was packed full of stuff. Doors open, three cop cars in front of it. Sad. • Alyssa R., It's so heartbreaking to drive over the bridge and see those phones. • Monica M., You know we drove over that bridge after someone jumped and I was traumatized just knowing someone just jumped to their death and I was looking at their vehicle. It's hard to see and I can sympathize with her. It is so heartbreaking. That bridge scares the crap outta me. |
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Marie M., facebook comments plugin, Me and my boyfriend was at. pier and we heard something loud sounded like a gun shot not sure then we notice. Cops at top of skyway and boat patrol and helicopter this is this is scary and sad. Lauren M., facebook comments plugin, Please, if anyone else can share what they saw Friday night on the skyway, PLEASE come forward and tell. His friends and loved ones want to know what happened! Thank you to everyone who's shared what they saw so far. facebook post • Marie M., fbplugin, Me and my boyfriend was at. pier and we heard something loud sounded like a gun shot not sure then we notice. Cops at top of skyway and boat patrol and helicopter this is this is scary and sad. |
05.02.18: possible something unknown |
05.02.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG,
1048, 1534, 4h46m any more info is welcome. |
05.01.18: jumper, 11:45pm, male unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 05.04.18, Jamie, Bradenton, I also witnessed the jumper on 5/1 but it wasn't at 11:45pm, it was late into the early morning hours of 5/2, around 1:30am (I was driving home from work) on the southbound side. I drive this bridge every day at all different times, and in just one year I've seen the aftermath of more than 5 jumpers. Sometimes before the cops arrive. Once I saw a woman, and thankfully they got her. any more info is welcome. |
05.01.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 2356, 0433, 4h37m |
05.01.18, iontb/fb, Male jumper at 11:45 last night. southbound lanes, top of bridge. Left note |
facebook post |
04.22.18: possible something unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 04.22.18, Crystal M., facebook, Lots of police activity up top this afternoon [about 2pm] as I traveled NB. Also, many police yesterday (Sat 4/21) at the South rest area. Saw a blip on twitter that a body was found in the water. No other info. (04.21 activity is posted just below. as for 04.22, yours is the first notice of activity up there. we'll see if someone else has anything. thanks.) any more info is welcome. |
04.21.18: body found near the skyway, male unknown may or may not be a jumper's body or an incident involving the bridge. |
04.21.18, mysuncoast.com, MANATEE COUNTY, FL (WWSB) - The Manatee County Sheriff's office is conducting a death investigation after a body was located just east of Joe's Island near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Deputies say a fisherman discovered the body of an unknown white male in the mangroves at approximately 1 p.m. Saturday. The sheriff's office, along with members of the Florida Wildlife Conservation commision responded to the scene. In a press release, deputies say an autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of death. No further information is available at this time. 04.21.18, wfla.com, Fisherman discovers body in mangroves near Skyway Bridge A man's body was found in a mangrove near Joe's Island Saturday afternoon, officials said. According to a news release, a fisherman made the grim discovery around 1 p.m. The man has been identified as a white male, but his name and age are not yet known. An autopsy will be conducted to determine his cause of death. An investigation is ongoing. Joe's Island is located near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and is part of the Terra Ceia Preserve State Park. 04.21.18, bradenton.com, Fisherman finds body in mangroves near Skyway Bridge. Manatee deputies investigating Terra Ceia, The Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating the discovery of a body by a fisherman in the mangroves near Joe's Island Saturday afternoon. According to a news release, a deceased white male was found at 1 p.m. just east of Joe's Island, which is part of the Terra Ceia Preserve State Park near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Authorities do not know the identity or age of the person, but the sheriff's office said an autopsy will be conducted to determine the cause of death. No further information was immediately available. The investigation is ongoing. 04.22.18, wtsp.com, Fisherman finds body in mangroves near Sunshine Skyway Bridge An autopsy is planned to determine a cause of death. TERRA CEIA, Fla. -- A man's body was found in the mangroves near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. A fisherman came across the body around 1 p.m. Saturday near Joe's Island, according to a Manatee County Sheriff's Office news release. The island is located just north of the northbound toll booth within the Terra Ceia Preserve State Park. The body is identified as a white male, but other details -- including age and the person's name -- are not yet known, officials say. An autopsy is planned to determine a cause of death. any more info is welcome. |
04.19.18: possible jumper, 6:40pm unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 04.19.18, Paul W., 6:40pm North bound. Three police cars on South bound side, on on the north bound side. Looked like a person was in the car in the passenger side. any more info is welcome. |
04.17.18: possible jumper unknown |
04.17.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0846, 0855, 0h9m any more info is welcome. |
04.13.18: jumper, 12:00am, male, no crisis phones, died,
body found 2 weeks later Nicholas Michael Wojtkowski, 29 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 04.13.18, Bill E., facebook/scanner group, FHP & Pinellas Co are on the hump with a abandoned car. HCSO enroute. Not known what is going on yet later: Checking tide direction & speed. Sounds like they suspect that somebody jumped. 01.17.22, Michelle, Tampa, (04.13.18, 12:00am, male, no crisis phones, died, body found 2 weeks later), He was my brother, Nicholas Wojtkowski, 29 years old. His body was recovered 2 weeks later. (sorry for your loss. even this much time, does not heal the hurt. be well.) any more info is welcome. |
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04.13.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUSPICIOUS VEHICLE, SKYWAY BG, 0006, 0359, 3h53m 04.13.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MISSING PERSONS - ADULT ENDANGERED, SKYWAY BG, 0801, 1325, 5h24m |
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04.01.18: save |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 04.01.18, Karla N., twitter, I was driving this bridge 4/1/18 at 4am northbound and a small sedan was parked at the very top, right shoulder. I called 911. Hope it turned out well 😢😢😢 (yours is the only report we received.) 05.04.18, Jamie, Bradenton, regarding: Jumper on 4/1, I was also on my way to work early at 4am on Easter morning, 4/1, and saw the abandoned vehicle at the top on the northbound side with no one around. 06.11.18, anon, would like to inform that the one that happened early morning of 4-1 was rescued before jumping. Thank you. any more info is welcome. |
03.31.18: possible jumper, female unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 03.31.18, Tracy P., Naples, A woman pulled over at the top of the skyway. She stopped at the top of the Northbound lane. We called the police not sure what happened. (image taken 10:46am) any more info is welcome. |
03.28.18: possible jumper, 8:30am unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 03.28.18, Sherri H., Subject: 3/28 9:09am - Possible jumper, I was driving north on the Skyway this morning, and there were 3 FHP cars and a Road Ranger stopped at the top with their lights flashing. I was able to snap a picture of this officer looking over the edge. The odd thing was there was not other vehicle parked at the top. 03.28.18, Lisa I., 9:30 a.m. March 28 2018. There are 3 State troopers and a road ranger at the top of the Southbound lanes. all looking over the side and over into the water. Anyone know what is happening? 03.30.18, Bob S., facebook, any more info is welcome. |
03.28.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, REFER - FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL, SKYWAY BG, 0832, 0835,0h3m 03.28.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, ASSIST OTHER AGENCY, SKYWAY BG, 0941, 1149, 2h8m |
03.28.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway Bridge: Expect delays northbound I-275 as first responders working on and below the bridge. Update: Reports of a person jumping off the bridge at approx
9:30 a.m. Search underway. comment: • Darlene F., Just crossing bridge and feeling heavy hearted. can see responders looking over the side. |
facebook post |
03.18.18: save, 8:15pm, male |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 03.18.18, Eric, I'm on the skyway bridge now heading north traffic is shut down was there a jumper today 03.18.18, Jenny M., 10:33 p.m. Two lanes southbound all brake lights stopped on the Skyway Bridge with multiple blue emergency lights at the top. No Northbound traffic that I can see coming over the hump at all. Blue emergency lights spotted in the dark near the water at the base and a presently inactive ambulance was waiting at the bottom of the Northbound Lanes just before the side exit to the fishing pier. 03.18.18, ashley, st pete, top of the sky way closed with cop cars. stand still traffic. was there a jumper? 03.18.18, Kai C., facebook, Someone was just up there tonight getting ready to jump while I was driving over and the cops are trying to talk him down 03.19.18, Shauna, Bradenton, I was rerouted at approx 10:30-11:00pm per comments on the GPS people were saying there was a man who was contemplating jumping, I was wondering if you have any updates regarding this. Thank you! 03.19.18, Kara W., St. Pete, FL., (03.18.18, 10:30pm), There was an incident on the bridge. Very vague information when I called Highway Patrol. Bridge was shut down in both directions when I attempted to drive Northbound, Southbound reopened around 11pm. Toll taker said it was a jumper. There was a flatbed in rest area Northbound, a large police presence and as I drove over bridge, there was a dark pickup truck with Road Rangers and hood open and a white SUV type vehicle at peak of Northbound surrounded by state troopers. Didn't see a driver. Not sure what happened, but it didn't look good. 03.19.18, NT, St Pete, (03.18.18), Other websites said they were attempting to talk down a jumper. Backed up for more than an hour both directions. 03.19.18, Kc, (03.18.18, 930pm, male), As I was driving by the police were screaming at the man don't do this to your wife and your kids and I heard him reply you don't know anything about my family you don't know anything about my wife she is a fucking angel and then I heard the cops say then why are you doing this to your wife and your kids and I just drove off I could not continue to listen or watch for him to jump I'm not sure if he did jump I hope he did not any more info is welcome. |
03.18.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, MENTALLY ILL PERSON / VIOLENT, SKYWAY BG, 2140, 0101, 3h21m |
03.18.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com,
Skyway Bridge: Subject safely taken into custody by law enforcement
atop the Skyway which closed the bridge for the last couple hours. - Subject was contemplating suicide.
this comment from the facebook article stirred up a firestorm:
• Charlotte W., MmMmm smh. Stuck there on that bridge for hours waiting on someone to figure out if they still wanna be here or not. That sucks. If you're gonna do it, do it within 5 mins please. You're problems cost everyone hours of their time, and sone folks dont LIKE bridges, let alone being stopped on one with dozens of other vehicles to finish their night off smh. Damn. Sorry to be an ass, but that too was pretty assy 03.18.18, wfla.com, PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) - The Sunshine Skyway Bridge has reopened in both directions after it was briefly closed Sunday night as officers tried to detain a suicidal man. Around 8 p.m., traffic came to a standstill after someone saw the man the roadway. Troopers arrived at the scene and hours later, the man was taken into custody. All lanes of the bridge are back open, according to the FDOT's website. No further details are available. 03.19.18, bradenton.com, Man who threatened suicide shuts down Skyway Bridge for several hours. The Sunshine Skyway Bridge was closed for more than two hours Sunday until a reported suicidal person was taken into custody and authorities investigated a minor crash, according to Florida Highway Patrol. Officials received a call reporting the person around 8:15 p.m. Sunday, Sgt. Steve Gaskins, a public affairs officer with Florida Highway Patrol said in an email to the Bradenton Herald. The man was taken into custody around 10:45 p.m. The northbound lanes of the bridge were closed until officials had the person in custody, according to Gaskins. He added the southbound lanes were also later closed due to a minor crash. All lanes were reopened by early Monday morning, Florida Department of Transportation traffic maps show. |
03.29.18, Angela N., facebook, I'm so glad they were able to save him. It was very upsetting, thinking a person was ending their life as we sat in uncontrollable traffic. Leilani J., facebook comments plugin, Charlotte w people like you is why people contemplate it in the first place..no patience and they want to give up Tiffany O., facebook comments plugin, Charlotte is a persons life not worth a few hours of your time? facebook post |
03.17.18: accident and/or possible something unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 03.19.18, Ashley S., facebook, We were leaving Palmetto to travel to North Pinellas (approx 40 miles) and were given a 3.5 hour travel time. We made a u-turn at an "official use only" lane, and drove around the bay taking only an hour. Traffic was backed for miles. 03.19.18, Tom V., facebook, 2 car accident near one of the rest areas saturday 03.19.18, Dawn D., Clearwater, Fl., regarding: 03/17/18 Possible Jumper, I am wondering if there was a jumper Saturday afternoon between 2-4pm. There was a small accident on one end of the skyway but traffic was still at a stand still after that, then at the top there was a single empty vehicle with several police cars behind it. I waited to see if anyone posted about it but I don't see anything posted for Saturday. 03.19.18, Jennifer F., iontb/fb, Saturday was bad also. A crash, two disabled vehicles with flat tires and a car at the top, five police cars and no one in the car. Not sure if that was a jumper also?? any more info is welcome. |
03.17.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, REFER - FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL, SKYWAY BG, 1408, 1410, 0h2m |
03.12.18: possible jumper unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 03.12.18, Stephanie, I just drove over Skyway, empty car southbound...was there a jumper today? 03.12.18, anon, Today, 3/12 about 10:00am a gray/blue sedan parked on should near top of SB Skyway. No one present. Hopefully a mechanical failure only. any more info is welcome. |
03.01.18: jumper, 8:35am, male, hit water, died, body
found Norman Arthur Harris Jr., 57 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 03.01.18, Mariana M., Bradenton, FL., We were driving to work on i75 NB this morning at 8:35am and right as we were at the top of the bridge we saw a white SUV stopped on NB. A male around 30 years old got out of the car, walked in front of it and jumped off the bridge immediately. He was wearing a red shirt and black shorts. We called 911 immediately. 03.01.18, Sherri H., I went over the northbound side of the bridge around 8:30 this morning. There was a large white SUV parked at the top with the flashers on. I was in the left lane so I wasn't able to see if anyone was in the vehicle. I called it in and passed the emergency vehicles heading in the opposite direction. 03.01.18, Ian, Parrish, FL., (8:45am), Commuting to work this morning I saw a white Cadillac SUV pulled over at the top of the Skyway heading Northbound with no driver. I also saw emergency personnel (Sheriff and Highway Patrol) responding to the scene. I've seen jumpers and abandoned cars several times before, and it's always very sad.
03.01.18, TM, Bradenton, Fl., I witnessed the tragedy this morning exactly as Mariana described. What struck me was how calmly everything unfolded. He didn't pause for even a second. Naively, up until the moment he stepped off I kept thinking that he must have run out of gas and was going to the phone to call for assistance. Now I only wish that were true. My prayers go to those he left behind. 03.01.18, Bob S., facebook, I called it in. It was a New Cadillac Escalade on the Northbound side. any more info is welcome. |
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03.01.18, Hillsborough Sheriff,
MENTALLY ILL PERSON / NON VIOLENT, SKYWAY BG, 0837, 0841,
0h04m 03.01.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 0838, 1212, 3h34m |
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03.01.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Male jumper about 8:35 this morning. Vehicle left in northbound lane. Body recovered by civilian boater. Deceased | |||
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03.12.18, Tim C., facebook, I can't stand going over that ever since I seen the person jump to his death on 3-1-18 I seen his feet leave the wall an fly off the bridge I can't get that vision out of my head. reviewed Skyway Bridge —
★★. (just 2/5 stars? harsh.) 03.29.18, Joan C., facebook, I did not see the man go over but arrived the same time as the deputies who ran in front of the empty car and looked over the bridge. Just seeing the car haunted me for a couple of weeks. facebook post, • Michelle D., I believe in the right to die. But this way is tramatic to all involved . Wish assisted suicide was legal. |
02.25.18: possible jumper unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 02.25.18, Bill E., facebook/scanner group, Person on Skyway, making threats to jump. Posting on FB. later: If he's talking, that is a good sign. Hopefully reaching out for help. Most people that jump just stop the car & dive off without hesitation. According to the Skyway Jumper page. later: The man talking on FB from the Skyway. Heard on scanner. HCSO sent 2 cars to the scene. any more info is welcome. |
02.17.18: jumper, 12:30pm, male, hit water, died, body found Kirk Bruce Fisher, 53 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 02.17.18, Sonya M., St Petersburg, Activity on Skyway, Southbound at the top of the bridge gray van unoccupied with police activity later: (male, died, body found), Saw USCG bring the body to O'Neills around 1:30p.m. 02.17.18, Marlene A., facebook comments plugin, We were stuck in traffic going over Skyway today. Abandoned car at top of bridge, lane closed, multiple police officers looking like they were investigating a possible jumper. 02.17.18, TJ, St Petersburg, FL., regarding: 2.17.2018 jumper body recovered, I was at maximo park again today exercising and seen the st Pete fire boat, FWC, Sheriff and Eckerd college boats all go racing out with sirens blaring in a single file line towards the skyway. About 1:30pm all four boats returned the fire boat, sheriffs boat headed to O'Neill's. So I walk with another patron over to where they dock to show him it was another jumper 2nd one in a week. The body was bagged on a back board. The body was rather large and appeared to be a male. Watch the officer and fire fighter open the bag to exam the body and both of them started to gag. I also spoke to a mother and her daughter who seen the car on top of the bridge and came to O'Neill's to witness the body laying on the ground being examined. The look of the daughters face was stoic. Sad to see two people in one week be delivered in a body bag. any more info is welcome. |
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02.17.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 1232, 1814, 6h42m | ||||||
• Chad J., I was there as well, we were coming up under the bridge from west and saw it as it happened. • Sherill D., My husband watched him climb over the barricade, and saw his face just before he jumped. He's having a rough night, can't get it out of his head. |
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then there's this story: 11.14.16, wtsp.com, Armed man, upset about birthday, climbs fence at Tampa International A man carrying brass knuckles and several knives climbed a fence Monday at Tampa International Airport and ran across a runway while upset about his birthday celebration. Kirk Bruce Fisher, 52, of Palm Harbor, was upset about an incident, according to Tampa International, when he climbed the fence about 8 a.m. Monday. According to the police report, Fisher had brought his dog to Tampa International earlier to abandon it in an effort to get revenge on his family for not celebrating his birthday properly. A report said that he had three knives and a set of brass knuckles and was running toward the KC-135 tankers at the airport. He was charged armed trespassing on property and carrying a concealed weapon. He has been released on bond. At the time of his arrest he was wearing a white shirt with military epaulets on the shoulders. His shirt read: "not going down with the ship" written on the back. Tampa International released this statement: "Safety and security is top priority Tampa International Airport, and that includes perimeter and airfield security. We use a multi-layered approach to securing our airport and airfield and it is effective, with yesterday's swift response being an example of this. We work closely with TSA, the FAA, our airfield tenants and our airlines to quickly identify and resolve security issues. Though the airport is secure and regularly receives high marks from regulators, we are always evaluating ways to enhance our perimeter security and procedures."
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02.18.18,
facebook, Sonya M., I saw it yesterday so today at church I just thought about him. What was so bad? What monsters lied within? It just breaks my heart to know how alone he must have felt. facebook post |
02.10.18: jumper, 10:00am, male, hit water, died, body found Clifford Joseph Hatina, 43 |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 02.10.18, Elena J. D., Riverview, FL., facebook, Reports of unattended truck on bridge and police on scene looking over. Traffic backed up. 02.10.18, Mark B., facebook, Someone just went 02.10.18, Bea, St Petersburg, (11:00am), Was just driving over the bridge going North, saw a black pick up truck, about 5 police cars, 1 ambulance on North side of bridge and 1 small fire truck on other side. Police were going through the pick up truck and there were about 5 rescue and policeman looking over the side of the bridge. later: I realized I had dash cam footage. NOTE, the dashcam is an hour ahead. 02.10.18, Unknown, St. Pete., Black pick up truck was parked on the highest point of the bridge today around 10:30am. 4 police on scene all looking down at the water when we drove by. 02.10.18, G., Palmetto, Empty car at top of bridge with door open. 02.10.18, Chris, Bradenton, This morning at approx 11:00 am crossing nb, ambulance and police car at top along with an unoccupied black truck. Officer was observed to be examining the crisis phone further along the bridge. Upon our return around 2:00 pm, the truck was being loaded onto a flatbed. It's a gut wrenching feeling to think someone has jumped. 02.10.18, TJ, St Petersburg, Fl., regarding: Jumper white male recovered, 2.10.2018 Standard call out for a jumper in the water around 10am. Was at maximo park exercising seen fire truck, ambulance and several squads responding to top of skyway. Also two units responded to fireboat and responded lights and siren, SRT from Eckhart college responded soon after. About 20 minutes later Pinellas county sheriff's boat responded as well. Fireboat and sheriff boat returned to O'Neill's about 11am with recovered body onboard. I was exercising with a friend and stated there was a jumper she was in disbelief and didn't believe me. so I said let's take a walk over by the dock where they return to. And we witnessed the unloading of the body and the detective's examing the body. white male, middle age, light khaki shorts and looked like a blue shirt but it was hard to be certain as it was pulled up in the body bag. My friend broke down in tears just at the site of how distorted the body looked laying in the bag from impact with the water. We had a long conversation about what she had seen it was her first experience seeing a deceased person and a person in a body bag. We also had a talk about suicide. People life is precious and short already. No matter the situation the pain your feeling is temporary and things will get brighter. I live by this simple rule. If you feel like quitting finish today no matter how bad it is and quit tomorrow. And when tomorrow comes tell yourself the same thing I'll finish today and quit tomorrow. You will start to see the light and no matter how tough things get if you quit tomorrow you will be successful. 02.12.18, Scott, (02.10.18, 11:45am), I drove past a fire chief truck and he and another guy were looking over the edge. The were next to an abandoned vehicle. any more info is welcome. |
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02.10.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, REFER - FLORIDA HIGHWAY PATROL, SKYWAY BG, 1002, 1005, 0h03m 02.10.18, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1006, 1608, 6h02m |
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02.11.18, April B., Personal dear friend of mine. God rest his soul. 02.12.18, Vallerie H., My love of my life took his life off of the skyway bridge February 10th. His name was Clifford Hatina 43 years old and we have a 2 year old boy Clifford Hatina Jr. It was my black dodge truck that we just got to try to start a business with he dropped me off at work that morning. I did not want to leave him that day. He was a great man but he had just gotten out of prison 4 months earlier our relationship was not perfect. But I never thought this. He was physofranic (schizophrenic). He needed help. I hope change for the world, for people to not give up on life there is so much to live for your children. Don't give up ever! Be strong. I will never be able to go over it the same again. We had just enjoyed a nice date. a response: April B., mydeathspace.com, Cliff was far from a schizophrenic or a physofranic; whatever that even means. He was an amazing man with a huge heart. He had a smile that could light up any room. He loved Jesus and loved others. His love was true and pure and honest. He loved to help others. He would do anything for anyone. I've watched him literally take clothes off of himself and give them to the homeless. Even if you just needed a laugh, he'd do it to brighten your day. Cliff was an amazing singer. He had a voice that would just melt your heart. He was a phenomenal father. He loved his kids so much. Would do absolutely anything for them. He was an extremely hard worker. When he put his mind to something, there was no stopping him; even till the end. He leaves behind a legacy for his friends and family and the people who knew and loved him to carry on. God Bless his soul. My heart will never be the same. Until we see each other again, XO. 02.16.18, anon, Cliff hatina you have always been a little brother to me may you and that big heart rest with Jesus fly high man you will never be forgotten 01.10.20, Kristi H., I just wish this never happened! I miss you so much Dad! I need you so bad right now! I know your still with me but it’s just not the same and it never will be! Why did you do this? I will never understand! I have so many questions that will never have answers! It’s just not fair! I just want one more hug!😭 facebook post |
02.04.18: probable jumper, 1:30pm unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporters: 02.05.18, Jamie, Bradenton, regarding: Jumper on 2/4 around 1:30pm, My family and I were on our way home (Bradenton) from Odessa. It was super windy and as we were traveling SB on the bridge, I saw emergency vehicles on the north pier with first responders looking into the water. Once at the top of the bridge we saw an ambulance, fire truck and police at the top- no abandoned car- all talking in a group and two looking over edge. Very sad sight. 02.18.18, anon, All the usual were called out for a jumper. EMS were on the bridge for about two hours looking over the edge. A St. Pete ambulance also headed over to Maximo park but I cannot be certain of the outcome. You should put a "probable" status on your website. any more info is welcome. |
01.31.18: possible jumper, 5:30pm, male unknown |
thank you, jumpnews reporter: 01.31.18, Brenda W., facebook, I saw a man parked at the top of the Skyway about 530pm today. He ran across both lanes and jumped on the wall then i drove by. I hope he is ok and was just being stupid? any more info is welcome. |
01.31.18: possible jumper, 6:00am unknown |
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thank you, jumpnews reporters: 01.31.18, Brian, Bradenton, Just seen a possible jumper on top of the skyway bridge. Silver PT cruiser. No one inside. Fire dept and police on scene 6 am
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01.22.18: possible breakdown unknown |
thank you, breakdown reporter: 01.22.18, Will G., Wimauma, FL., (4:30pm), Motorcycle stopped @ top of the bridge. any more info is welcome. |
01.10.18: attorney blog - Increase in Skyway Suicides Bring Awareness to Liability Issues |
01.10.18, usalaw.com, The Sunshine Skyway is one of the most impressive sights in Tampa Bay. Passing through the waters of Pinellas, Hillsborough, and Manatee counties, the bridge is 430 feet tall and spans four miles across. This makes it a perfect place to catch a stunning view of the breathtaking scenery and sparkling waters. Even Floridians who hate heights— and those who remember the horror of the original bridge's
collapse in 1980 - can probably admit that the bridge is part of our iconic landscape. At the very least, it is a convenient way to get across the bay. But the Sunshine Skyway can also be a place of darkness. Last year, 13 people died by jumping off the bridge, making 2017 the worst year for bridge suicides since 2003. (worst year for jumper activity in general, since the bridge opened in 1954.) Suicide in Tampa Bay and Beyond In 2017, twelve people committed suicide by jumping from the Sunshine Skyway. A thirteenth death is unconfirmed. The victims include a 64-year-old man, a 55-year-old husband, and a 28-year-old man, potentially racked with guilt over his involvement in a fatal crash. Only five of the deaths were women. This is on par with national statistics, which report that men are 3.57 times more likely than women to die by suicide. Across the nation, suicide is a major issue. It is the 10th leading cause of death, with 44,965 Americans dying every year. It affects people of all ages, genders, and races. But certain groups, like middle aged white men, LGBT+ youth, and people struggling with substance abuse, are more prone to suicide. Lawsuit over Sunshine Skyway Death As these statistics show, Tampa Bay is far from the only place in the United States with a suicide issue. But in the face of this recent rash of suicides, some Tampa Bay residents want to see changes. One victim's widow is even taking legal action to draw attention to the topic of suicide in Tampa Bay. Two days before her husband jumped from the Sunshine Skyway in 2017, he was released from a local hospital. He had been committed by the Baker Act after a previous suicide attempt. His wife is now suing the hospital. She believes that it was negligent to release him so quickly, considering his previous attempt and mental state. This case is unique. However, it's not the first time a medical provider has been accused in a patient's suicide. In 2008, a lawsuit over a Florida woman's suicide was brought to the Florida Supreme Court. There, it was found that her doctor's failure to see her, even after being informed that the patient had stopped taking her medications, played a role in her death. Determining a Doctor's Role Determining negligence for a patient's suicide can be a nuanced topic. But like in any other case involving a medical provider's liability, there must be proof that: • A doctor-patient relationship existed • The medical professional violated the standard of care • The patient suffered harm • The violation directly caused the patient's harm Suicide is often a complex topic, and never an easy one. When a case involves trying to hold someone else, like a medical provider, liable for a loved one's suicide, it becomes even more complex, although it is still important to seek justice, compensation, and answers. While 2017 might have been a bad year for Tampa Bay area suicides from the Sunshine Skyway, there is still hope that critical topics, like the role of medical providers in a patient's suicide, will be addressed in 2018. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or ideation or know someone who needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. (curious if a case could be made against an entity, that created a structure that is a historically known and accepted draw for suicides, then doing squat little in an attempt to stop them. #calltoaction • more suicide prevention help • the baker act) |
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01.09.18: article - Could netting prevent suicides on Sunshine Skyway Bridge? |
01.09.18, wfla.com, PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Two of America's iconic bridges, the
Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco and the George Washington Bridge in New York, are undergoing major changes. Both projects include the addition of a unique netting to help prevent suicides. Safety netting is being added along the outer edges of both high-span bridges. The changes have News Channel 8 wondering about the possibility of one day seeing safety netting added to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, where three (correction: 13) people ended their lives by suicide in 2017 and 12 others committed suicide in 2016, according to The Florida Highway Patrol. If there were to be any structural changes to the Skyway, they'd come through Florida's Department of Transportation. So, we reached out to FDOT to ask about the possibility. The organization quickly responded and we learned a safety net concept is something the agency has reviewed before. "The safety of the traveling public on the state's bridges is a top priority of the Florida Department of Transportation. The department has looked at a fencing system on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in the past, however, FDOT has not found a system that would work and also allow inspection of the bridge." Adding more weight to each side of the bridge could possibly create instability for the mega structure. One safety feature that's helped save lives and has been in place for many years are the 24-hour emergency phones mounted at the top of each span. Just by picking up one of those phones, that person will immediately be connected to a caring counselor at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. "If they're having thoughts of suicide and they're aware that a resource is available and they will not be judged and somebody will speak to them and care about them. It's very successful," says Ken Gibson with the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay. (if the suicidal uses the phone. most do not.) If you, or anyone you know, is feeling desperate and just needs someone to talk to, simply dial 211. That will connect you to the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay's full time staff of sincere and compassionate counselors. (this barrier would work. it hinges for inspections and deters jumpers. #calltoaction) |
Cristin L., facebook comments plugin, Yes, netting would make it more difficult for the loved one to jump. Higher barriers too. No brainer guys.
#ajp09/18/2015 Jfer L., facebook comments plugin, People are going to take their lives in any style. Shooting oneself, hanging, pills. It doesn't just take the Skyway to end of life, there are a multitude of ways. It's the person's decision on how it's going to be done. Kathleen M., facebook comments plugin, I would say create a suicide prevention on bridge. |
facebook post • Jfer K., fbplugin, People are going to take their lives in any style. Shooting oneself, hanging, pills. It doesn't just take the Skyway to end of life, there are a multitude of ways. It's the person's decision on how it's going to be done. |
01.08.18: article - Skyway suicides may have hit 15-year-high |
01.08.18, tampabay.com, By Jonathan Capriel, Times Staff Writer, A few left their driver door open and motor running. One man pocketed his keys. Another wore a Superman T-shirt when he plunged nearly 200 feet into the mouth of Tampa Bay. One woman may have taken her dog with her. Another person wrote "sorry" and "time to go." An average of once a month last year, people committed suicide by falling from the Sunshine Skyway bridge, and authorities are trying to determine whether a 13th person also died that way. Not since 2003 have 13 people fallen to their deaths from the Skyway. In the years since then, at least 130 more followed, according to information provided by the Florida Highway Patrol and medical examiners offices in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee counties. The last man to drop in 2017 was William Robeysek, 64, the morning after Thanksgiving, his family said. Troopers found his car on the bridge. A boater found his body on the first Sunday of December on an island about 5 miles west of there. Dental records showed it was him, but authorities await test results. "I miss him terribly," said Ashley Stevens, 65, his girlfriend of 13 years. "I have no idea why he would leave me." Robeysek was unmarried, had no children and was recently placed on disability benefits. He didn't leave a note. • • • Most last year did not leave notes. Those who did left many questions unanswered. The first to fall in 2017 died a year ago Friday. David Prior, then 55, worked as an investment adviser and had two children and a wife. Debra Prior, 53, said she and her teenage daughter suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and avoid the bridge. Her husband left a note, but she still doesn't know why he chose the Skyway. "Maybe he thought it would be the fastest way to go," she said. "He used to jump out of planes in the army. He was a Green Beret Ranger." Two days before he went off the Skyway, David Prior was released from St. Anthony's Hospital, where he had been committed under the Baker Act after slitting his wrists, his wife said. She's suing the hospital, alleging negligence. Therapists have told Debra Prior not to attempt to figure out why he killed himself. "We are never going to know what was in his mind," she said. • • • Most suicide is a solitary act, often by gunshot or strangulation, said Frederic Desmond, a professor of psychology at the University of Florida. Falling from a high platform is less common. A public suicide attempt may be a last chance to reach out for human contact. "It could also be a last-minute cry for help," he said. "They might hope that someone driving will stop them." Clara Reynolds, CEO of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, avoids publicly discussing Skyway suicides because she doesn't want to plant ideas in anyone's head. "We want to have open conversations about why people contemplate suicide and we need it to be more socially acceptable for people to reach out," she said. The center gets thousands of calls each year from people contemplating suicide. A small percentage of suicides are from the Skyway, less than 3 percent in 2016. Special phones installed on the bridge in 1996 (correction: 1999) connect directly to the Crisis Center, but in 2017, only "silent calls" came through. The people on the bridge did not speak. "They might be trying to make a last-minute connection with someone," Reynolds said. "It could be that they want someone to know they are up there." When someone uses one of those phones, the center's staff alerts authorities. Officers stop at least five suicide attempts each year on the bridge. On Tuesday, a Pinellas deputy used his vehicle to pin a woman's leg to the side of the concrete barrier, preventing her from throwing herself over. After he handcuffed her, she continued to say, "Let me jump, let me jump," the deputy said. Five of the deaths in 2017 were women. • • • Experts say suicide doesn't solve problems, and often hurts those left behind. In May, Pinellas Park police charged Ryan Mogensen in the hit-and-run death of a motorcyclist, 61-year-old John Ryan. In June, Mogensen pleaded not guilty, but the case never went to trial. On a dark night in July, he leaped off the Skyway bridge. He was 28. The Pinellas-Pasco State Attorney's Office formally abandoned the case. A medical examiner's report describes a suicide note Mogensen posted on Facebook. He called himself a veteran and said he had been charged with a crime. He wrote that he loved his family and apologized to them. When John Ryan's wife, Rosamme Ryan, 54, found out that Mogensen had killed himself, she initially took solace in the idea that he could not hurt anyone else, she said. But in the months since police found his body, her attitude has shifted. "That night, it felt like justice," she said. "But the further away I get from it, I realize I'm never going to face him. I can never ask him why he hit my husband." Need help? • Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 to be connected to local crisis counselors. • Reach out to trusted friends or family members and talk to them. • Find a therapist or support group. A good starting point is to call 2-1-1. more suicide help links and services. seek them out and use them. 2017 was not simply a 15 year high, but an all-time high, considering all the jumper activity, as compared to 2003 and every year since the bridge opened. 2017: 13 suicides, 29 possible, 1 survivor, 4 saves, and the skyway uber incident. 2003: 13 suicides, 1 possible, 4 saves |
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01.02.18: jumper save, female, 11:50pm |
01.02.18, pcsoweb.com, pcsoweb.com, 18-002 Pinellas Sheriff's Deputy Saves Woman From Jumping Off Sunshine Skyway Bridge - Deputy Heroism Who: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Patrol Operations Bureau 50 -year-old white female (Lives in Tampa, name withheld) Deputy Damon Laney Hire Date: 02/10/2012 Age: 37 What: A Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy pulled a woman off the ledge of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, likely saving her life. When: The incident occurred about 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Where: The incident occurred at the top span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge located at I-275, in Hillsborough County. Why/How: According to deputies, Deputy Damon Laney was driving to an off duty work detail, northbound across the top span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at about 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Deputy Laney noticed a car parked on the roadway along the side of the bridge with its hazards on. Deputy Laney turned on his emergency lights and started to pull behind the vehicle. The driver, a 50-year-old Tampa woman exited the vehicle and ran towards the outside barrier wall of the bridge. As she attempted to climb over the wall and jump, Deputy Laney having no time to exit his vehicle, used his vehicle to trap her legs between the push bumper and the wall. When Deputy Laney exited his vehicle, the woman freed herself and was completely over the wall with the exception of one arm. Deputy Laney grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back over the wall where she continued to struggle until being handcuffed. She was not injured during the incident. Deputy Laney detained the woman while she cried and said, "just, let me jump." The woman later informed Deputy Laney she was upset over personal issues. Deputies took the woman into protective custody under the Baker Act. Deputy Laney is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations DUI Unit, he has been with the agency for 5 years. any more info is welcome. |
01.02.18, iontb/fb • iontb.com, Skyway: Pinellas Deputy detains female after a brief scuffle atop the northbound lanes of the Skyway Bridge. Watch for delays in the area. later: Appear deputy pulled up to a car stopped on bridge. Most likely with suicidal intentions. Investigation underway.
comments: • Kyle D., I passed by before the police arrived. She was visibly upset and pacing outside her car and peering over the edge at the top of the span with no emergency signals. She resisted because she wanted to be where she was. • Keith M., Holy hell I passed this woman's car on my way home before deputies got there. It was a small red car. 01.03.18, iontb.com, Pinellas Sheriff's Deputy Saves Woman From Jumping Off Sunshine Skyway Bridge Pinellas Deputy Damon Laney grabbed a 50 year-old suicidal woman as she attempted to jump from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge late last evening. According to deputies, Deputy Damon Laney was driving to an off duty work detail, northbound across the top span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge at about 11:50 p.m. on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Deputy Laney noticed a car parked on the roadway along the side of the bridge with its hazards on. Deputy Laney turned on his emergency lights and started to pull behind the vehicle. Audio of radio traffic from the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office: The driver, a 50-year-old Tampa woman exited the vehicle and ran towards the outside barrier wall of the bridge. As she attempted to climb over the wall and jump, Deputy Laney having no time to exit his vehicle, used his vehicle to trap her legs between the push bumper and the wall. When Deputy Laney exited his vehicle, the woman freed herself and was completely over the wall with the exception of one arm. Deputy Laney grabbed her by the waist and pulled her back over the wall where she continued to struggle until being handcuffed. She was not injured during the incident. Deputy Laney detained the woman while she cried and said, "just, let me jump." The woman later informed Deputy Laney she was upset over personal issues. Deputies took the woman into protective custody under the Baker Act. The 37 year-old deputy is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations DUI Unit and has been with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office for 5 years. 01.03.18, wtsp.com, PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. - A deputy is being regarded as a hero after rescuing a woman just seconds before she attempted to jump from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the incident happened around noon Tuesday afternoon. 37-year-old Deputy Damon Laney was driving while he was off-duty when he noticed a car that was pulled along the northbound lanes on the Sunshine Skyway bridge at I-275 with their hazards on. Laney started to pull his car behind the vehicle with his emergency lights on when he saw a 50-year-old woman get out of the car and run towards the barrier wall of the bridge. Having no time to leave his car, Laney quickly sprung into action and used his car to trap the woman's legs between the bumper of the car and the barrier wall. The woman found a way to free herself before he could get out of his car and started to jump over the wall. Laney was able to grab the woman by her waist and pull her back over the barrier, where she continued to struggle against him, crying, "Just let me jump." Thankfully, the woman was not harmed in the incident and she later told the deputy she had been upset about personal issues. She was placed under the Baker Act and put into protective custody. Deputy Laney has been working in the sheriff's office since 2012 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations DUI Unit. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the Skyway is the number one bridge for suicide on the East Coast. In 2016, there were 12 suicides, 24 possible suicides, 6 saves, and 1 survivor. There have been 100 suicides in the last decade. MORE: The skywaybridge.com website is dedicated to reporting on, educating and ideally stopping jumpers. (well look at that. thanks, wtsp.com, yes we are.) 02.08.18, wtsp.com, Pinellas deputy receives Governor's Medal Of Heroism for stopping Skyway jumper. Damon Laney, a deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, received the Governor's Medal of Heroism on Thursday for stopping a woman from jumping off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in January. TAMPA, Fla. - Damon Laney, a deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, received the Governor's Medal of Heroism on Thursday for stopping a woman from jumping off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in January. Laney, 37, was off-duty and driving across the bridge when he noticed a vehicle pulled over in the northbound lanes with its hazards on. As Laney approached the vehicle, he saw a woman exit the vehicle and run towards the barrier wall. Laney was able to stop the woman from jumping. She was later placed under the Baker Act and in protective custody. "His actions and dedication to serving his community are an example of the incredible work law enforcement officers do to keep Florida families safe," Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement. Laney has worked at the sheriff's office since 2012 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations DUI Unit. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the Skyway is the number one bridge for suicide on the East Coast. In 2016, there were 12 suicides, 24 possible suicides, 6 saves, and 1 survivor. There have been 100 suicides in the last decade. MORE: The skywaybridge.com website is dedicated to reporting on, educating and ideally stopping jumpers. |
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