thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
12.20.09, anon, Wimauma, Florida, (12.20.09, 5:30pm, hit water), I was
driving South bound over the skyway and right on the hump there was a dark blue
toyota tundra with 2 state troopers behind it. There didn't appear to be anyone
in the truck. The State Troopers had all the doors open and appeared to be
searching the truck.
12.22.09, Cop credited with saving life,
tbnweekly.com, PINELLAS PARK – A Pinellas Park police officer was credited
with saving the life of a woman who attempted to jump off the Skyway Bridge.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that officer Joseph S. Puglia, a
10-year police veteran, was driving southbound across the bridge between
Pinellas and Manatee counties on Dec. 20 at about 5 p.m. when he observed a
55-year-old woman standing near the ledge. The
FHP said Puglia, who also is a field training officer, pulled over and made
contact with the would-be jumper as the FHP arrived on the scene.
Authorities said Puglia befriended the woman and she was pulled to safety
and transported to a local hospital for observation.
(thanks to Nichole P.)
.
12.18.09: save, female, 51
12.18.09, Mark, Tampa, FL., (12.18.09, 6:00am), Came across the southbound
Skyway this AM and there was a black Ford Mustang and a dark colored Chevy truck
with the flashers on. There was what looked like a male and a female standing
next to the railing at the apex of the bridge facing each other talking. I
called *FHP to report it and the officer that answered said they had received a
call already but to give her any additional info. A coworker that came by about
45 minutes after me said the pickup was gone but the Mustang was still there as
well as the police. Hopefully they got there in time. This is only my 3rd year
working south of the Skyway and every morning each December as I round the curve
at the bottom of the bridge I expect to see emergency lights at the top.
12.18.09, ANON, Clearwater, (12.18.09, 7:00am), Drove over Skyway this
morning black car parked 2 police in front and in back of the car
12.18.09,
tampabay.com, Skyway driver saves woman from suicide attempt
By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer, Posted: Dec 18, 2009 11:21 AM
TAMPA — A driver on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
saved a woman who seemed ready to leap from the span early Friday morning,
authorities said. At about 5:55 a.m., a
51-year-old woman parked her 2004 Ford Mustang on the bridge's outside shoulder,
according to the Florida Highway Patrol. She got out of her car and started
leaning over the concrete barrier wall when another driver, Guelmis Yanes, saw
her and pulled over. Troopers said Yanes was
able to stop the woman from jumping until FHP Capt. Robert Ifft arrived.
The woman was taken to St. Anthony's Hospital under the Florida Baker
Act.
(comments follow the article.)
12.19.09,
tampabay.com, Rescuer pulls would-be Skyway jumper back from the edge By
Alexandra Zayas, Times Staff Writer, In Print: Saturday, December 19, 2009
TAMPA — Because of the rain, Guelmis Yanes left for work 15 minutes early
Friday. A construction job waited for him in Sarasota, which put the 27-year-old
on the Sunshine Skyway before sunrise, listening to Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli.
Something caught his eye: A red Mustang, empty, hazard lights flashing. A lone
woman, walking up the slant of the bridge. The car must have broken down,
Yanes thought. The woman looked about the same age as his mother. Maybe she
needed a ride. He passed her and stopped, watching her silhouette in his
rear-view mirror. He figured she was walking toward the bridge phone. Then, she
was gone. Had she jumped? He thought about the day in October when he saw
a burning car on the bridge. It had turned out to be a murder-suicide. Just this
week, he saw troopers gather after a 30-year-old woman plunged to her death.
Yanes, who recounted these details in an interview Friday evening with the
Times, left his car and felt the rain whip his face. He had driven this bridge
so many times but had never stepped on it. He thought the wind might blow him
away. Then, he saw the woman's hands hooked over the edge of the bridge's
retaining wall. Then, her legs, swinging over toward him. She had pulled herself
back up. She was 51 and not much taller than 5 feet. Her hair was short and
blonde, and she smelled of cigarette smoke. "Please," Yanes yelled as he ran
up to her, "don't jump." The woman looked exhausted. "I've got to do it,"
he remembers her saying. "I've got to do it." "No," he told her, "you don't.
This is not the answer to your problems." She responded, "You don't know my
problems." She had no job, no prospects. She said, "I cannot live on $275 a
week." He told her his father, a welder, was out of work, too. He asked if he
could take her to a coffee shop, right then, and talk. He told her he didn't
mind getting to work late, and that he'd pay. He remembers what she told him.
"No no, please," she said. "I've got to do this." She had crouched down with
her back to the wall of the bridge, so Yanes thought she had changed her mind.
He took out his cell phone and called 911. The operator couldn't hear him, so he
shouted. He lost sight of the woman for a second, and when he looked for her,
she was gone. Then, he saw the hands again. He ran. He peered over the edge,
and there she was, struggling to climb back up. He reached over with his right
hand and grabbed the wall with his left. There they stood again. The woman
dripped with sweat. He didn't know what to say. Then, something popped into his
head: "Do you believe in God?" The woman said yes. "Do you believe he
wants you to do this when he gave you the opportunity to live?" She looked
down, and asked if he thought she would go to hell. He asked, "Do you have any
children?" Yes. "Grandchildren?" Yes. "Do you really think that this is fair to
them?" She stayed quiet. He tried to cry, thinking that might help. "I have a
mother," he told her. "I have a father. I have a grandmother. I don't know what
I would do if they did this." The woman didn't say anything. She took a big
breath. "Okay," he told her, "I'm going to call somebody to come and help
us." His own phone hadn't worked, so he walked to the bridge phone, which
meant turning his back on her. He held that phone up to one ear and his cell up
to another, trying to get through. A third time, she climbed over the wall.
He screamed, "Don't jump!" This time, she looked more tired as she clung to
the wall's edge. "Help," she pleaded. "Help." He reached over again, one arm on
her pants, one arm on the wall, fighting the wind. He looked at the dark water
and worried she might pull him down. With strength he didn't know he had, he
pulled her up. This time, he pinned her to the ground. Cars zoomed by. Yanes
saw a Florida Highway Patrol trooper stop at the woman's car and look over the
wall. He was at least a football field away. The patrolman didn't seem to
notice them at first. In the minutes that followed, the woman would tell
Yanes he was ruining everything. She would scratch him and threaten to take him
down. He would not let go as he forced her down the bridge toward the trooper,
all of her weight in his arms. A hospital would keep her for her own protection.
All day, he would think about her. It began with one step, one command.
"Come on," Yanes told her, "get up." (comments follow
article with picture of mr. yanes.)
12.21.09, Scott W., My wife tried on 12/18/2009. If your going to drive to the
skyway, get out of your car and jump off, she was saved By Guelmis Yanes. Thank
you so much for not giveing jump. She has been in 5 Hospitals since July 13
2009. The doctors release her with now aftercare plan and I don't knpw what to
do with her. She is very sick, the night before we were out with a friend and
she seem happy and fine. I was looking up the Front Page of the St pete Times on
Saturday and there she was.
.
12.15.09: jumper, 5:00am, female, died, body found same day April Walsh,
30
winner: Larry, Sarasota, fl.
guessed: 12.15.09, 5:15am, male, no hotline phones, hit water, dies, body found the same day
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
12.15.09, Zolter, Largo, fl., (12.15.09, 5:00am), keys, wallet and note
left in vehicle on top of span. Search in progress
12.15.09, joe, terra ceia, FL., just saw 3 cop cars and a fire truck with
boat in the water, action on top of bridge
12.15.09, rob, riverview, fl.,
possible jumper two police center span, empty car and coast guard on scene
12.15.09, Kelly R., Bradenton, My husband crosses the Skyway every morning
about 7:00 am. This is the info he gave me. Abandoned Honda civic (dark green)
Being towed from skyway. Helicopter activity and police activity on top of
bridge. Sorry, I think we has another jumper. This makes me sad for the family
and friends left behind. Especially at Christmas time. Sad indeed.
12.15.09. SuziQ, St.Pete, florida, (12.15.09, 5:30am), My husband was crossing
the bridge this morning about 5:30 am and he said he thinks someone jumped.
Rescue and police all over northbound.
12.15.09,
tampabay.com,Woman jumps to her death from Sunshine Skyway as holidays approach
By Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writer,
Posted: Dec 15, 2009 08:35 AM Authorities found
the body of a woman who jumped from the Sunshine Skyway early Tuesday.
Officials responded to a 5:09 a.m. report of a 1994 Honda Accord
stopped atop the northbound span of the bridge. The Florida Highway Patrol found
the car with the keys inside. Also in the car were a wallet, some form of
identification and a note. Search boats
found the woman's body, which was taken to nearby O'Neill's Marina. Her name was
not released until the family could be notified. On Friday, authorities suspected that someone else jumped after a report
of a car abandoned on the bridge. A body was found Saturday, according to the
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Web site. Weather conditions made the
search difficult on Friday, authorities said. The number of people who jump from the bridge increases during the
holiday season, said St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Lt. Joel Granata. "This is like one a week now," he said.
(thanks to Bob from Skyway Lane in St Pete. comments
follow the article, several of which show people are growing weary of 'depression'
being the excuse for everything. we agree. they are also blaming bush and obama.
people are funny. others rightfully point out how selfish the suicidals are, especially this time of year. from this year forward,
any semblance of holiday happiness for those that love april walsh has been
ruined by her merry christmas death jump. now every year, they can put up the april suicide tree and hang all the
dead april lights. then in the morning, the kids can rip open their april killed
herself at christmas presents.)
12.15.09,
tbo.com, Skyway Bridge jumper identified
Published: December 15, 2009, Updated: 12/15/2009 05:06 pm ST. PETERSBURG -
Authorities have identified the woman who jumped from the Sunshine Skyway this
morning as 30-year-old April Walsh of Tampa. At about 5:10 a.m., authorities
were alerted to a 1994 Honda Accord that had been abandoned at the top of the
bridge, said Lt. Joel Granata of St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue. In it were a
wallet, identification, keys and a suicide note, he said. Later in the
morning Walsh's body was discovered in the water below the bridge by the Coast
Guard, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. The investigation is
ongoing.
12.17.09,
myfoxtampabay.com, Holiday blues hit some hard this year,
'You don't have to suffer alone', Gloria Gomez
TAMPA - The sounds of the season are here, but not every sound is
upbeat. This time of the year the
suicide rate spikes. The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay handles up to 60
calls from people in distress every week.
David Braughton, the organization's president, said the caller is
usually on the edge of an emotional cliff ready to jump.
"One of the areas that we see a huge increase in is the number of
people that are having suicidal thoughts. They've gotten so depressed
and so down that there looking up to see bottom, and they think tomorrow
is going to more of the same," Braughton explained.
Their last call for help is usually handled by a crisis counselor
like Alysha Quinn. She said many callers are in a deep financial hole
they see no way out of it.Quinn knows
her job is to give hope to a hopeless situation. If she's successful,
the troubled caller will be a return caller."When you have a hard call one day, that you know you hear from
them a couple of days later saying how much they may have helped. So
that's pretty exciting when you're able to do that for somebody," Quinn
added.The Hillsborough County Sheriff's
Office says in the last four years, it has investigated 32
(at least 40) jumpers on
the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. In the last week alone, two people have
jumped to their deaths. (3 in 9 days.) At the Crisis
Center there is a fixed camera monitoring the bridge and a hotline
number those in distress can call. Or
just remember the number 2-1-1. Someone will always be there pick up the
phone and hopefully your spirit. "If you
are in despairing over these holidays, you don't have to suffer alone.
Call 2-1-1, and we can find you help," Braughton said.
comments about april walsh from
topix.com: 12.15.09, Jill W. S., Apopka,
FL., Dear April, WHY? Was it way too difficult too find an answer to life's
lessons? It is such a waste. So sad. I miss you. I was just getting to know you.
I looked forward to learning more about you and sharing our commonalities and
interests. You were so interesting and had such a wonderful sense of humor. I
feel cheated. Thank you for the movie. I guess I shall share it with others in
your name. I hope you are at peace and now no many of the answers to your
questions. Love to you, April. 12.15.09,
Shelley B., Tampa, FL., I knew April and worked with her for 4 years. We became
good friends and even went out with some of my other friends a couple of times
and every Christmas we exchanged gifts. She had a heart of gold and was always
laughing. She made the most awesome chili....I always requested it when we had
team lunches. I feel kind of out of the loop,as of May I no longer worked with
her, but had her cell number and yet, I never called her...the guilt of that
will be with me always...she was a good friend and I will miss her always. My
thoughts and prayers go out to her family! Everytime I make her chili I will
think of her... xoxo to you April.
12.16.09,
vanessa, Miami, FL., My dearest April- I'm at a loss for words...just last
weekend we sat on my couch and laughed together. I still can't believe this is
happening and I have to say that I am a bit in denial. I look at your christmas
presents under my tree and I find myself saying that I will still be able to
give then to you. I knew that you were troubled I guess I just failed to realize
just how deep it was. I hope that you know how much I loved you and still love
you and that you were such a great person. I can't believe that its over just
like that. I love you so very much and you will continue to live in my heart
forever. The last text I got from you said that you love me...and its hard to
accept that that will be the last time I hear from you. Rest in peace my
friend..... Your munchkin, Vanessa 12.16.09,
Quentin Hubbard, Largo, FL., I hope that April was not driven to suicide by what
the mind benders did to her in the scientology crime syndicate. OT VIII Steve
Brackett dove to his death from the Bixby Bridge in California on May 29th of
this year. This sounds like another suicide victim of vicious treatment and
betrayal at the hands of the scientology criminal enterprise.
12.16.09, Angelina, Tampa, FL., April was a
very nice girl and will always be remembered. Her friends were her friends and
if you were not that close to her, she was still a very peaceful person. No one
ever knows why one would do this nor do we ever expect it. We just have to deal
with it and make sure that what she has given us is not forgotten. Vanessa
darling you were truly her friend and it will be tough at times, just remember
her for those times on the couch, and dont spend to much time trying to figure
it out. She would have not wanted that. Everything is based off of assumption
now and it will drive you "Loca". Pray for her and others like her and do what
you always do, make sure you are the friend you should be and help others when
they seem to be in need. April will not be out of the memories to those who love
her and have left a piece of her inside of all of those who surrounded her. Boy
to men sang a song called "one sweet day" and that is how I will remember April
and know that I will meet her "One sweet day" again
12.16.09, Trish, Port Orange, FL., I still can't believe that this
has happened! It is undeniable that you are and always will be missed. Even
though we lived miles apart I kept you close in my heart that's why it was hard
for me to take the news that you were no longer with us. COUSIN I pray that we
as a family will get through this in one peace (especially for auntie as her
heart is heavy). I love you SO MUCH!!
12.16.09, Shelley B., Tampa, FL., I just found out that after being gone from
our workplace..last week, she was still thinking about me, enough to ask a
co-worker about me...I am overwhelmed with guilt that I didn't keep in touch
with her...I have her cell phone number save in my phone, of whick it will stay
as a reminder...she was so good to me and we had a lot of good times, she was
such a beautiful person, inside and out. What I am now begining to piece
together, and the way every one has talked about her, that this must have been a
sudden decision on her part. Either she hid her pain that well or something came
about that suddenly, that she felt there was no other way out or this was the
only choice she had.From what I understand there
was a note she left..and that right there lies all the answers as to why she
felt she needed to end her life. I for one need answers, I need closure, I need
to find out why my friend chose to end her life unstead of searching for help. I
intend on going to the viewing and to the funeral, I need to able to say
good-bye to her, I never got to tell her that I loved her (as a friend)and how
much her friendship meant to me. April, I am telling you now...I love you and
miss you, my friend.
12.17.09, Bill B.,
Bradenton, FL., Every time I read about a suicide from atop the Skyway Bridge, I
think about the day in November 1999
when I was fortunate to be involved in the rescue of a man intent on ending his
life, via a jump from the northbound side of the span. And his jump would be one
he could (not) survive, as he was attempting it
over the rocks that surround the center supports, instead of over the water. The
driver, with whom he had hitchhiked, and a St. Petersburg cop, held him by his
arm and in headlock, while he pleaded to be let go. I was a random passerby,
heading south, and arrived just after the police got there. I stopped and jumped
over the bridge's center, knowing that I had to do something - anything - that
might help. I begged the jumper to please let us help him, to please let me help
him and he finally agreed. Because of his size, we had to wait what seemed like
hours, until more cops arrived, giving us the needed muscle to pull him over the
railing and back to safety. During this time, cars continued to just pass by
with not one stopping to offer their help. That, by itself, is one of the
poorest testimonies of humanity I have ever witnessed. Considering the volume of
traffic that crosses the span daily, I can't imagine that April's car was not
passed by numerous vehicles prior to her ending her life. I didn't know April
but, nonetheless, I would have stopped to see if assistance was needed, even if
it was only to discover an automotive breakdown or a foolish tourist stopping to
take photographs of the Tampa skyline. We live in a society stricken by fear and
ambivalence. I shudder to think what might have happened had I not stopped on
that November day when another fellow human being needed my help. I was scared
as hell, during the rescue, and collapsed into a sobbing heap when it was over.
Friends and acquaintances told me how foolish I was to do such a thing, as I,
too, might have been pulled over to my own death. But I would do it again in a
cold second because every life is precious. April's was no less precious.
Reading the posts on this page tells me she was loved by those who cared enough
to share their own sentiments about her passing. I'm saddened that April was
successful because who knows what great things this young lady might have
accomplished in the years ahead. April, I'm sorry for the loss your friends are
feeling. Your passing will forever be emblazoned in their minds, but your life
will go on in their memories. You're in God's hands now and are no longer
troubled by whatever drove you to take your life. Watch over your friends - all
of them. You can do much good where you are now. And I pray that you will help
others find the good in their hearts, so when they are a random passersby and
see someone in trouble, they will hear your voice telling them, "help me" before
it too late again. Rest In Peace, child.
.
12.11.09: jumper, 6:45am, female, died, body found next day
winner: Sarah M., Austin, TX. guessed: 12.11.09, 3:45pm, male, no hotline phones, hit
water, dies, body found in 2-6 days comments: I swear I have been betting on this for 10
years now and still have not won once. I think I have poor psychic abilities.
(your psycho abilities are now on. sarah is a long time
fan and
facebook friend.) she replies: It's a Christmas
miracle!!!! Although if we were playing this game on the Price is Right, I
would have gone over in time and thus, not won. Thanks for making the rules
your own. I actually have not
been visiting the site as much as I used to because I went back to school
this semester to get my masters, so I have not had mind numbingly boring jobs
to fill my life with time wasted on the internet instead of working. I do
love the holiday feel you have given the site; nothing says merry Christmas
like reading about suicide surrounded by festive colors. It's just the type
of macabre cheer that I love! Thanks for doing what you do.
(we're sorry your visits here were "time wasted on the internet". just kidding,
it's the same for us too. we waste far too much time with this jumper crap. not
sure if our tomato soup meets split pea color scheme is really as christmasy as
we had hoped, but it's close enough. thanks for your support and enthusiasm.
best of everything with your schooling and masters.)
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
12.11.09, Kelly, Bradenton, (12.11.09, 7.15am), Looks like we have
another jumper this morning on the Skyway. Very windy day for jumping! Boats
seen racing to the scene with lights on and lots of activity on the top of the
bridge with first responders. This was seen on the southbound side of the skyway
by my husband about 15 minutes ago.
12.11.09, anon, riverview, fl.,
(12.11.09, 6:45am), possible jumper, alot of activity center span soutbound
skyway
12.11.09, Tom, New Port Richey, (12.11.09, 5:00am, died), Just saw
on Fox 13 someone jumped and died this morning. They didnt say what time but it
must have been before 7am
12.11.09, kaitlyn, parrish, fl., (12.11.09,
7:15am), I just got into my office after my morning commute over the Skyway.
Thought I would let you know there were emergency vehicles on the SB Span of the
bride and police/coastguard boats in the water. I was driving NB, and didn't get
a very good look at the car. Just heard on the radio it was a "medical call"...
12.11.09, anon, St Pete., (12.11.09, 7:30am), Not sure if someone actually
jumped but there were 2-3 FHP and a couple counties on the hump in the
southbound lanes about 735 am. One ambulance also.
12.11.09, De-, St.
Petersburg, FL., (12.11.09, 6:40am, hit water), Driving Skyway bridge (south)
Fire, Police were blocking right lane and looking over side-coast guard
below-saw a white small SUV with no occupants parked at the top
12.11.09, JRV, St Pete, FL., (12.11.09, 7:30am, water), I was going southbound
on the Skyway bridge and I saw a tan 2002-2006 mini-SUV, possibly a Honda
parked. I also saw helicopters circling overhead and lots of police and rescue.
There were also rescue boats in the water searching for the body. There also was
an AT&T van parked 100m from where the SUV and the police were. The van could or
could not have had something to do with the event.
12.11.09, MR,
Palmetto FL., (12.11.09, 7-8am, body not found yet),
Bubba the Love Sponge
announced it on his radio show around 9:15am
(we digs us some sponge.)
12.11.09, anon, bradenton,
(12.11.09, 9:00am, body not found yet), Was driving over bridge at 9:30 this
morning heading north and seen a gold colored suv parked at the top in the
southbound lanes, there was a coast guard chopper and appeared to be 3 search
boats combing the waters around the bridge.
12.11.09, Wildman, Riverview, FL., Don't see it listed but at 7:15 this
morning, while driving north on the Skyway, saw emergency vehicles parked on the
southbound side. Saw a white car empty on the bridge as well that they were
looking at. Emergency crews were going over the median barrier looking over onto
the east side of the bridge as well. When I got to the bottom of the bridge I
spotted the large Coast Guard chopper headed toward the area as well as a police
type boat.
12.11.09, zolter, largo, fl., (12.11.09, 6:30am, male),
Coast guard called off search about 11:15am this am.
12.12.09, jimbo,
st.pete, (12.11.09, 7:00am, female, died, body found), Just returned from
fishing. The body of a woman was on the dock of the boat ramp. She was found
under the bridge.
12.11.09,
tampabay.com, Officials search Tampa Bay after reports of possible Skyway
jumper By Emily Nipps, Times Staff Writer, Posted: Dec 11, 2009 08:34 AM
ST. PETERSBURG — Authorities are searching
Tampa Bay waters for a possible suicide jumper after someone reported an
abandoned car atop the Skyway Bridge Friday morning.
According to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue spokesman Joel Granata, a
passerby called around 6:30 a.m. and reported an unconscious person in a car on
the bridge. Florida Highway Patrol and fire rescue workers responded to find an
empty car with the keys, a wallet and other personal items still in the car.
A female tennis shoe was found at or near
the scene, Granata said, but it's unclear whether it's connected to the possible
incident. The U.S. Coast Guard dispatched
vessels and a helicopter to the scene around 8 a.m to look for a survivor or
body, according to Coast Guard Petty Officer Sondra-Kay Kneen, but she had no
information on any findings. Granata said he received reports that weather
conditions and the tide were making the search difficult, as 6-foot swells were
coming over the sides of the boats. (comments follow
article. thanks to Ray T. in
Palm Harbor and zolter in largo)
.
12.10.09: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
12.11.09, Steve M., Seminole, Fl., (12.10.09, 9:30pm), I was driving north
bound at about 9:30 on 12/10 when I saw an suv going south bound around the top
of the hump of the bridge. They put on the emergency lights when pulling over. I
immediately got a creepy feeling and looked up this website when I got home.
Didn't see the color because it was dark but the tail lights looked like that of
a jeep
12.06.09: jumper, 3:34pm, male, died, body found same day Jeremy M. Costley
winner: Kevin, Grand Rapids, MI guessed: 12.06.09, 6:30pm, male, no hotline phones, hit water, dies, body found same
day wished it was:
Cowboy Bob Orton
because: He
cheated when he and Rowdy Roddy Piper wrestled Hulk Hogan and Mr. T. He used his
arm cast as a weapon and hid foreign objects in the cast. If there's one thing I
can't stand it is a cheater in pro wrestling.
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
112.06.09, charles, tampa, fl., (12.06.09, 4:15pm, male, no hotline
phones, hit water, died, body found the same day), I rescued this jumper today
off the skyway bridge today while on fishing trip with friends so be the first
to know LOL (you were first in and we thank you. any more
to your story would be appreciated.)
12.07.09, anon, (12.06.09,
4:00pm, hit water), Black 2 door Honda older model parked at top of North bound
lane on bridge. Several police cars racing to site and police already there
looking over bridge. Private vessels circling below.
12.07.09, anon, St. Petersburg, Fl, (12.06.09, 4:00pm, died), We were
fishng on the south side of the skyway,near the rest area. We saw a rescue
vehile race down the off ramp then back on the interstate. About 10 min. later
we left, as we were driving the skyway north bound we both noticed two sets of
flashing lights and a little black car. We didn't see anyone in the car. We
didnt stop but I do believe someone jumped. Both the rescue guys that were
there, were looking over the edge. We stopped on the north side rest area and
saw EMT crews and about 3 or 4 boats race out that way. After a little while the
EMT crews left and we did to. I don't know if this really happened but I had bad
feeling driving over and seein those two rescue vehiles. I just hope that he/she
is at peace w/ them selves. oh yeah the little black car had Michigan plates.
12.07.09, michelle, tampa, fl., (12.06.09,
3:34pm, male, died),
HCSO web site News Release,
Jeremy M. Costley, DOB 2-21-78, [address withheld], Lakewood Ranch, Florida
Deputies responded to the
Skyway Bridge in reference to an individual that had jumped from the center span
of the bridge. Costley drove his 1991 Acura Integra northbound just south of the
center span and exited his vehicle and jumped off the bridge. The body was
recovered by local fisherman and taken to the marina. Next of kin has been
notified.
12.07.09, Bri, St. Pete,
(12.06.09, 4:00pm), There were several sherrif deputies and a state trouper with
lights flashing, staring down into the Bay from the apex of the bridge. There
was an empty black Accura with its lights still on and windows down....any info?
Got a very weird vibe like someone might have jumped several minutes before I
got there.
12.07.09, anon, sarasota,
(12.06.09, 3:30pm, male), My family and I saw a man in a black car jump from the
bridge at around 3:30 yesterday (12/6/2009).
12.08.09, Cindy, St.
Petersburg, Florida, (12.06.09, 3:25pm, male, used phones: no, hit water, died),
We were driving North on the Skyway Sunday afternoon and saw up ahead that a
small black car was pulling over at the apex of the bridge. I immediately knew
something was wrong because there was no sign that he was having car trouble. My
husband and I knew something, saw him get out of the car and it was evident what
his intensions were so we pulled up behind him. Out of respect for the his
family, I am not going to elaborate but I will say he was determined and
focused. We jumped out of our vehicle to try to stop him but it was too late and
he made his decision. Our teenage daughter was with us and was very distraught.
She asked why he would do that in front of us. God only knows but I know I will
be a better friend, a better listener and will be even more aware of those
around me that may be silently suffering and feeling hopeless. For those of you
that are reading this because you are thinking of taking your own life, THERE IS
NOTHING IN THIS WORLD THAT IS BAD ENOUGH TO DO THIS! God loves you and if you
will call out to Him for help HE WILL help you. Life is hard and I can only
imagine what you are feeling, thinking, what you have been through, endured but
it is not our decision as to when this life ends. Go to a friend, a church, pick
up a phone and call 911... whatever it takes but ending your life will not end
the pain. There is HOPE. PLEASE, do not do this to yourself, to your family, to
another stranger that drives away wishing they could have helped or a teenager
that doesn't understand why. Your decision not only affects you...We shed tears
over a person we didn't know but had value and was important to someone in this
world. We have wondered who he was and what was so bad that he felt this was the
only way out. I now know his name was Jeremy and that even though we never met,
I will never forget him. I am praying for his family and friends.
(thank you for the time you took to detail your story.
people choosing the bridge for their grand finale, apparently do not care that
they are putting on a live action horror show for those that witness their
disappearance over the side. you are now in a group of many others that have the
vision of a jumper's last moment alive, forever etched into your mind. we hope you cope.)
12.09.09, DEN, Clearwater, (12.06.09, 3:30pm, male, died), I was driving
North bound on Sunday when I saw this black car pulling over on top of the
bridge. My sister was driving and we thought it was a tourist that was going to
get out and take pictures. Much to my surprise as soon as we drove by, he jumped
off the bridge. My teenage daughter and another friend was in the car. I have
been so upset since Sunday. My brain can't believe what my eye saw. We slowed
down and then had to pull off the road. We all stood besides the sea wall in
hopes that what we just saw wasn't so. God Bless to his family!!!!
(we imagine what you felt is a normal reaction
most witnesses must have after seeing such an event. it's something you'll never forget, much to your dismay.)
12.09.09,
bradenton.com, HILLSBOROUGH — A man who jumped from the Sunshine Skyway
Bridge at about 3:34 p.m. Sunday has been identified as Jeremy M. Costley, 31,
of Lakewood Ranch. Costley drove his 1991 Acura Integra northbound and stopped
just south of the center span. Witnesses, several who stopped their cars, saw
him exit his vehicle and jump off the bridge.
Jeremy M. Costley's
myspace page
bio:
"I'm a skinny white boy and most may think
I'm insane, but I'm really just having fun! I hang out at the Gulf Gate bars
like The Paddywagon and Pasttimes, Siesta Key Beach whenever possible - I can be
found in the pavillion dancing to music in my head or enjoying the drum circle
if I've got Sunday off, the Starbucks in Midtown Plaza when I'm looking for
conversation, a caffeine fix, or just somewhere to use the internet while mine
is shut off, and the Ringling art museum if I've got Monday off (I'm the one
dressed in black). I like fine dining even though I'm not rich. I believe
chinchillas are pets, NOT COATS! My ears are pierced and I plan on gauging them
up to a nice size but no hockey pucks. I'm very friendly so if you ever see me
you better say hi or I will f**k you up (KIDDING!). Oh yeah, and I can bust a
move, so if you see me breaking it down at the bar or dance floor step up and
show off!" read his
blog archive.
myspace and facebook image
status:
"Jeremy is trying to get a job paying 16 bucks an
hour. if you are involved in the saginaw theatre in any way text me at
941-xxx-xxxx"
Last Login: 11/26/2009 Mood: completely alon
12.08.09, anon, Further in the 11/6(Jeremy Coston) jumper's
myspace page is this little capsule review of a movie: "The Bridge. This is a
cool IFC documentary about people who jump off the Golden Gate Bridge. It even
has an interview with someone who jumped and lived! The lesson being hit the
water head-first if you're serious about dying;"
(since the beginning of this stupid web site, we have had several friends of
this pool contact us with declarations of suicide or simple musings of such. we have spent much time in communication with these
people in the hopes we can effect them in a positive way. we have
facebook and
myspace
friends that have very dark and self-destructive postings on their profiles.
many are lonely, sad, hurting, angry, unemployed, feel unloved, unwanted, have failed at
life in some way, and/or have no hope for a better future. sometimes they pump
up their profiles with enough bullshit about all the cool things they are doing, how great their
life is,
and their unrealistic listing of all 450 of their 'friends' to the point you wonder who they are trying to fool.
usually, they are only fooling themselves and then only for awhile, until they
crash head on into reality. we are sure some of
our jumperpool friends will do them self in at some point in time. reading mr. costley's myspace profile raises
some red flags about his eventual intention. we hope if you notice such a theme on a
friend's social profile, that you involve yourself to find out what your friend's
intentions truly are and that you respond accordingly.)
12.10.09, anomyous, michigan, i think that this site gives me a huge feeling of
sickness, from you pulling up personal information on jumpers personal sites, to
"placing bets" on who will be next. if you actually think this is a good site,
my question is why, it seems to me as if you are "glorifying" these decisions
that these people choose to make when they feel alone and completely desperate.
and you make me absolutely sick. (mr. costley's myspace
page was set up by mr. costley as a public profile, thus enabling any and all
public to view his page and read all about him. as a public profile, we are welcome to it's contents. let this be a lesson
to you, kids, don't put personal information on a public forum if you don't want
it to appear elsewhere on the interwebs. things you put on your profiles can and
will come back to haunt you by those you know, as well as strangers, employers,
and law enforcement. think before you post. if you read this site at all, you would
quickly see it is not a site that glorifies jumpers. on the contrary, we point out the failings of
their jump, so as to perhaps prevent others from jumping and receiving the same
treatment.)
12.12.09, Melissa, Saginaw, MI., Jeremy Costley was a good
friend of mine that I knew from Michigan. He was a nice guy, I know he has been
battleing depression for long over a year. It is hard to see a friend go through
this state. My best friend and myself had him stay with us for a year in
Florida. We were afraid this would happen in Michigan a year prior. He had other
issues with life that I dont feel is appropriate to post here. It seemed like he
was doing better and moved out on his own. Shortly after, I had to move back to
Michigan to live with my family. Jeremy had a steady full time job, and I
feel that he enjoyed his stay in Florida. This was a good move forward for him,
since the economy was so bad in Michigan. I just wish that he would have kept in
contact with me. I had no idea that he was in such a state again. The last I
knew, his internet was down and he has not been able to use the computer much if
at all. Unfortunatley, I can not post any of this information on his Myspace,
because only the owner can approve comments. I can only say that Jeremy was a
good person and he felt a lot of pain. I hope that he is in a better place now
and his family and his friends are in my prayers. My thanks goes out to all
of you wittness that attempted to help. My apologies for bearing the sight and
loss of my friend. And thank you for sharing all the information that you have.
God Bless you Jeremy Costley and may you Rest In Peace. xoxoxo Melissa
(we are sorry you lost your friend. thank you for your kind words about him.)
12.13.09, Trina, Bay City, Hi I'm another friend of Jeremy Costley. I've
known Jeremy for about 12 years. It had been a while since I had seen him. I
wish I had a chance to see him more recently before he did this. He was always a
great person, was always a great friend when I needed one. He even used to have
a little crush on me; which makes me smile when I think of his in discreet ways
of flirting with me:) I know he battled depression, but I guess I never pictured
him actually acting on it. After he found out about our friend Kim killing
herself, I thought it may have made him see things differently. I just hope he
finally found the peace that he had been searching for. He will always be
missed. Love you Jeremy RIP. If anyone has obituary info please e-mail it to the
address listed thank-you.(sorry you lost your friend.
there is obituary info below.)
12.13.09, Ann R., MA., I first heard
about the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on Dec.12,2009 when I received a phone call
from my brother who lives out west. His friend's brother and son-in-law was
traveling on the bridge when the car in front of them pulled over and stopped.
They pulled over too thinking they could help with a flat tire or something but,
before they could speak to him the person who I am sure is Jeremy Costly got out
of his car, walked around it and jumped off the bridge. The story of this man's
jump traveled by word of mouth from FL to three other distant states. God bless
those who are so desperate, they feel that jumping is the only answer. God bless
those who are tramatized by witnessing this last desperate act.
12.14.09,
April, Saginaw, Mi., I'm also another friend of Jeremy Costly from Michigan.
Jeremy was a great person and will certainly be missed!! I wish he could have
found another way to deal with his battles so he didn't have to choose this as
his only way out!! I hope he has found peace! You will be missed!! Rest in
peace! I wish all the love and strength to his family! -April xoxo
12.21.09, imlad,
readandfindout.com, Anyone else find this linked website offensive? Last
week I learned that a friend of mine had committed suicide. Jeremy had moved to
Florida from Michigan a year or so ago, ostensibly to get away from the bad drug
scene he'd gotten himself hooked into (oxys, coke). The last time I heard from
him about 9 months ago he was doing well, cleaned out and working. But he didn't
have many friends down there. Anyways, I found out last week that he had jumped
off of a bridge down in FL. When I did a google search for his name I came
across the link below. I had never heard of this site, and I almost can't
believe that it exists. I find it disgusting (and I admit that I am prejudiced
against it right now as it does in fact talk about my late friend). Am I just
reacting in a completely emotional way? Is there ANY legitimate value to a site
like this? Or is it as disgusting and inappropriate to you as it seems to me?
replies: •12.21.09,
Isaac, Not exactly offensive, just gallows humor. I laugh like crazy at the
Darwin Awards, so I I'm not really in a position to pass judgment. Practically
choked to death laughing when I hit the one link and they
started playing Van Halen. Yeah it's messed up, but a lot of humor is. Black
Comedy, etc, tends to be offensive to some people, who might be the first to
fall over laughing at another case. •12.21.09,
Animosity, Offensive is so subjective. I can understand how this can be
offensive to you or anyone who knows someone this site is reporting on. I am in
no way trying to be my typically asshole self...But...None of us in this life
have a right to not be offended by others. We have the right to ignore it and
not to partake which is why I would suggest you get on with your life and live
it the way your friend would want you to. •12.21.09, vandevere, Let's see... Distasteful, yes... And morbid too; very
morbid. I don't know about offensive though. But definitely the other two...
•12.22.09, snoopcester, I can see why friends
and family of someone would find it offensive. Is it offensive to me? No,
because it is not a relative or a friend of mine "featured" but I would, most
likely, be offended if it was. •12.22.09,
ironclad, It's in really bad taste and I don't see why people think it funny. (offense is in the mind of the beholder. this seems
to be the jest of the replies to your query. we're sorry you lost your friend.
we believe the only legitimate value to the site would be the offhand chance a
person, such as your friend jeremy, would stumble on it while thinking suicide,
only to realize the folly of his thought. the site is also the only source of
information that many families have as to the hows and whys of jumping off the
bridge and the effect it has on those left behind. many have hooked up through
the site in an effort to find closure with the selfish act of suicide. remember
kids, jumping off the bridge will put you up for "Distasteful, yes... And
morbid too; very morbid" ridicule and leave those left
behind to deal with your inability to fight your way through life. it's not a
way to rid yourself of pain and sorrow, but simply a way to pass your pain and
sorrow on to those that know and love you.)
12.23.09, Lee Anne, midland,
MI., I just found out today. Does anyone have obituary info? or information
about where he's buried? To know him was to love him; i cannot regret the things
left unsaid enough. (if anyone
contacts us with this info, we will
pass it along here. we're sorry you lost your friend.)
12.29.09, Melissa,
Saginaw, MI., All I know is that the family plans on having service in January,
I am assuming in the earlier part. I will post day and time for friends/family
that stumble upon this site looking for this information.
01.04.10, Lee
Anne, Midland, MI., The services for Jeremy will be Saturday, January 9th at 2
p.m., at the Clare chapel of Stephenson-Wyman.
Visitation starts at 1p.m. If
anyone wanted to carpool, find me on
myspace or
facebook.
01.09.10, alison, saginaw/reese, mi., to cindy of st. petersburg, fl...over
the last five years or so i have lost SO many friends to themselves. it hurts
the ones who survive, and although your efforts were lost, you tried. i was
wondering if you could tell me privately what he last said. jeremy was a long
time friend. if nothing else-i am glad he had someone to tell his last words to,
i am glad someone stopped. rest in peace jeremy, see you in a few.
(sorry you lost your friend. we passed your email and
address on to cindy and she responds below.)
01.09.10, Cindy, St.
Petersburg, Florida, Thank you, Alison. I have reached the point that I don't
see it replay in my mind over and over again but I still think daily and I pray
for his family and friends. Actually he didn't say anything. He knew we were
there, getting out of our car but jumped before we could even say a word... he
was very determined. I am sorry for your loss of so many friends and pray that
through this tragedy people will know that God loves them, He is real and just
waiting for them to call out to Him. He tells us in the scripture Romans 3:23
that "All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory". (No one is perfect
and our deeds and works don't get us into heaven) and in Romans 6:23 that "Sin
pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our
Lord." The only way to heaven and eternal life with Him is to simply accept the
gift of his son, Jesus, that became the ultimate 'sacrificial lamb' so that we
didn't have to pay that price. So many people think that they have nothing or no
one to care. They feel they would have to give up something, and addiciton or
desire to accept God in their life. Some feel so hopeless but no one has to live
in that darkness. I don't know why we happened to be the ones that had to
witness this but there is a reason and I want to live out that purpose by
telling others. I am hopeful that someone will hear his story and change their
mind about doing this to themselves or others that are left behind. Thank you
for contacting me and I wish you the best, Cindy
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
11.14.09: Just me, Bradenton, FL., (11.14.09, 6.38pm), At the top of
the bridge was an empty older model sedan. It was dark out. Nothing else that I
could see. Does anyone know anything more? Gave me a sick feeling.
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
11.10.09, Tra, Dunedin, (11.10.09, 1:30pm, male), Pinellas County EMS is working a suicidal person on top
of skyway right now. Subject has a rope tied around his neck, and the other
end tied to the bumper of his car. Subject also has a knife. Pinellas EMS is
talking to him right now.... Don't know if this would classify as a jumper,
because his apparent goal is NOT to hit the water...later:
(didn't jump, taken away), Per EMS Scanner, Florida Highway Patrol took subject into
custody at 1:44 pm.
10.10.09, Zolter, Largo, FL., (11.10.09, 1:30pm, didn't jump, taken away), Male on railing (south bound) with rope around his neck
tied to jeep. He also has a knife to his
neck. Update - subject taken into custody. Tasered
by FHP.
11.10.09,
tampabay.com, Authorities rescue would-be bridge jumper, By Kameel Stanley, Times Staff Writer Posted: Nov 10, 2009 05:03 PM ST.
PETERSBURG — Authorities rescued a man who was planning on jumping off the
Sunshine Skyway bridge on Tuesday. The
Florida Highway Patrol got a call about 1:30 p.m. about a disabled vehicle
southbound at the top of the bridge, officials said.
When troopers got there, they found the man, who had tied a
rope around his neck and secured the end to his car, said FHP spokesman Sgt.
Larry Kraus. He also had a knife, officials said.
Troopers and paramedics who responded to the scene negotiated with
the man, who backed away from the bridge wall. Then, while the man was distracted, another trooper approached from
behind and subdued him, Kraus said. He was taken into custody under the Baker
Act. Authorities did not release the
man's name. He is 44 years old, Kraus said.
11.11.09,
bradenton.com, Firefighter talks down Skyway jumper, By ROBERT NAPPER A
Jeep at the Sunshine Skyway Bridge’s highest point looked abandoned, but
firefighters quickly learned it certainly was occupied when a man with a rope
tied around his neck jumped out and onto the ledge of the bridge, and put a
knife to his neck. The 44-year-old man told St. Petersburg Fire Rescue
firefighters and paramedics not to come closer and that he planned to jump,
setting off a standoff Tuesday that closed southbound lanes and snarled
traffic on the bridge for miles. “It was definitely one of those situations
that appears routine at first, but did not end up that way,” said firefighter
and paramedic Seth Jacobson. Events leading up to the standoff began with
a 1:20 p.m. alert call advising of a vehicle stopped at the apex of the
bridge, not uncommon at a site with a dubious reputation for suicide jumpers.
When Jacobson and his crew arrived, a Jeep appeared to be abandoned. But
procedure required firefighters to walk up to the vehicle for a check, then if
the vehicle is indeed empty, a search of the water below is ordered. But
15 feet from the Jeep, as firefighters weathered heavy winds walking to the
vehicle, they spotted the shadow of man in the passenger seat. The man in the
Jeep saw them, too. “He suddenly jumped out and onto the ledge of the
bridge, sitting with both his feet dangling off. He was so unsteady as the
wind had him teetering,” Jacobson said. The man also had a knife to his
neck, and rope around his neck with the other end tied to a roll bar inside
the Jeep. “He was serious,” Jacobson said. With the southbound lanes of
the bridge closed, and the wind whipping and making it difficult to hear, the
firefighters began trying to talk the man down. For 30 to 40 minutes, the man
talked about how bad his life had become, how someone in his family had caused
his pain, Jacobson said. “It felt like six hours, but we started to gain
his trust,” said Jacobson. The man finally blurted out a statement to which
Jacobson responded that seemed to turn the tide of the dangerous situation.
“He shouted something like, ‘You don’t know the beast inside me!’ I just
said back, ‘I have the beast in me, too, we all do.’ When I said that, it
seemed like he pulled the knife off his neck some,” Jacobson said. After
firefighters promised to bring a loved one to the scene the man said he wanted
there, he put one foot back over the ledge, then a second. He then stepped
back onto the bridge and faced the firefighters. That gave a Florida
Highway Patrol trooper the chance to hit the man with a Taser from behind,
grab the knife and take him into custody. The man’s name was not released,
but a relieved Jacobson said he had mentioned being from St. Petersburg.
“I have been doing this for 25 years, so there is nothing that really scares
me,” said Jacobson. “But this did ratchet up. I am just glad it’s over,
especially since it ended well. I just hope the guy gets the help he needs.”
11.16.09, Alan "tired of traffic", Largo, FL., I am sick of waiting in traffic for hours because some idiot
thinks life is tough.... Of course it is!!!! Deal with it. Suicide is a
cowards way out. If you want to die, get a dangerous hobby. If you can't
afford a dangerous hobby, buy a rope and take care of your coward business in
a private location. Maybe even do the coroners a favor and call them right
before you kick the chair out from under your feet. They will appreciate not
having to smell a rotten corpse. I swear to god, I have been close to throwing myself off that
bridge after waiting 2 hours to go the last 5 miles of the span. Buy a gun,
and get it done, fast, painless, and best part of all, NO TRAFFIC. Suicide is
selfish enough to your family, let alone the thousands of commuters that like
to use the bridge. Don't be douche... I think it is a great idea for the
electric rails... They just need to put signs up warning potential jumpers,
that way they don't even bother, and screw up traffic. And after that rant....
Death by drowning is one of the worse ways to die... Its right up there with
burning alive. And lets be real... you are probably going to survive the
impact, but like stated on this site, you will drown with broken bones.
PS I think a cliff diving skyway
competition could deter jumpers... Maybe not, but the fall IS very survivable
if you know how to hit the water. found the site looking for last weeks dumbass
with the noose tied around his neck. He caused me a one hour headache.
(we agree, the
electric rail system will deter jumpers more than anything yet conceived.
sure, someone will figure out they can climb onto their car and leap over the
rail, but if they are that determined, so be it. it's just not possible to
save everyone from them self. we have never been caught up in jumper traffic,
but imagine it's about as much fun as a root canal. better bring magazines
next time, just in case.)
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
10.31.09, Big Dawg, btown, (10.31.09, 3:00pm), Man on top of northbound lanes at zenith of bridge with a superman
costume on. He was standing near edge facing wind with his cape flappin. Not
sure of his intentions but would sure like to know. Trooper was approaching from
behind. Is this a jumper or just some knucklehead. Did anyone else see it??
(it would appear that it could be less a
jumper and more a photo op. hope your halloween was equally exciting.)
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
10.20.09, Taylor B., st. petersburg, fl., (10.20.09, 8:30pm), a friend
on anna maria island with a view of the bridge from his house called and told me
that there were coast guard helicopters doing search patterns and tons of lights
on bridge.
10.12.09: jumper,
3:12pm, male, no phones, hit water, died, body found
same day Robert Laird, 38
ex-husband shoots and kills ex-wife
in lakeland, puts her body into the trunk of her car, drives to the top of
the skyway, sets the car on fire, and then jumps to his death.
10.16.09,
theledger.com, Fund Set Up for Slain Woman's Daughter
A memorial fund to benefit the daughter of Sheryl Laird has been set up
at Kelly Laird, 7, now lives with relatives.
Contributions can be dropped off at any MidFlorida
location
or send checks to: MIDFLORIDA
Credit Union P.O. Box 8008 Lakeland, FL 33802-8008
Checks should be made out to: Note on
the check:
MidFlorida or Elizabeth Partington. Memorial for the child of Sheryl Laird.
winner: Morgan, Washington, DC guessed: 10.12.09, 6:30am, male, no hotline
phones, hit boat, dies, body found same day
comments: Please let the jumper be Glenn Beck....
(no, we like glenn.)
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
10.12.09, Zolter, Largo, fl., (10.12.09, male, did not use phones, hit
water, body found same day),
35 yo male. FHP arrived on skyway for fully involved car fire. As they arrived male jumped face first into water. 18
ft boat picked up jumper. Single occupant on
boat and doing CPR and unable to drive. They are by north fishing pier and awaiting marine unit.
later: FD is reporting burnt body in trunk of vehicle.
later still: Confirmed death 3:53p,
time of call 3:25pm, also body in vehicle
confirmed sig 7 (this should make the mainstream media, ya think?)
10.12.09, anon, We were at the top of the bridge, about 200 feet from a car fire
in the southbound lane, on the shoulder. The car fire was fully engulfed. A FHP
car drove by us on the right shoulder up to the burning car. A man ran to edge
of the bridge, almost at the middle of the span, right after FHP drove past. He
climbed up on the edge and did a super-man dive over the side. The guy in a
pickup truck in front of us saw the same thing. We both got out and ran to the
side. The jumper was already floating, face down, and not moving. The man from
the pick-up truck yelled to the a nearby fishing boat and pointed to the body.
The nearby boater was on the way to him. It appeared they were pulling him on
board and drove towards the north pier. Everyone was out of their cars, looking
over the side, in disbelief of what we all just saw. On the news tonight, we are
hearing reports there is a possible second body in the car. It was a strange and
sad afternoon.
10.12.09, Paul S., Sarasota, FL., (10.12.09, 3:15pm, hit water, died, body
found same day), This is a very strange one. There was a car
fire on the top of the SB skyway. The fire dept found a body in the trunk after
the fire was put out and witnesses saw a person jump off the bridge. Boaters
shortly after picked up the body and took it to O'Neils. My guess this is a
murder suicide with the fire to disguise it.
(thanks
also to rob in riverview.) any
more info is welcome.
many 'calls
for service' reports by the lakeland police department
on this dirtbag. he should have been put down like a bad dog long before
he woke up on 10.12.09 or used for organ donation until nothing is left.
sheryl laird was issued a slew of
"victim's rights" pamphlets. those were apparently about as helpful as the
restraining order she had against her ex. can't imagine why those worthless pieces of
paper didn't keep him from killing her. let this be a lesson to all females
dealing with harassment from violent ex's. get a gun, learn how to use it, and
kill the asshole immediately the first time you truly feel
endangered. no hesitation, just pop pop pop. make them kill shots, none of that wounding
crap. chances are, your kids will be better off without him anyway. remember to repeat the phrase "i was in fear of my life" every chance you
get during the resulting investigation.
10.12.09,
tbo.com, 2 bodies
found at Sunshine Skyway Bridge One body was found in
the water. A second body was found in the trunk of a burned car, the
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said. Lt. Joel Granata, spokesman
with St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue, said his department received a call at 3:12
p.m. of a car on fire on the bridge. Firefighters popped the car's truck
and found a body, said Debbie Carter, a sheriff's office spokeswoman. "The body was kind of burned, so I can't tell you for sure if it was a female or
a male," Carter said. Firefighters were extinguishing the fire on the car
when they received several calls of a man who jumped off the bridge. A Florida
Highway Patrol officer also saw the man jump off the bridge, the sheriff's
office said. The fire department sent marine units to the scene. When the fire department unit reached the bridge, the body of a white male in
his 30s had been recovered by three people in an 18-foot fishing boat. The man
in the water and the person in the car are connected, Granata said. "From
confirmation they are related," Granata said. The man found dead in the water
"was the driver of the car." Southbound traffic on the bridge has been
reduced to one lane as the sheriff's office investigates the case, FHP said.
Southbound traffic is backed up to 54th avenue North, FHP said. Northbound lanes
have remained open as officers investigate, FHP said. Carter said the
investigation will be a lengthy process. Sheriff's investigators were trying to
determine whether to bring the medical examiner to the scene or move the car to
another location and have the medical examiner meet them there, Carter said.
(thanks to zolter in largo.)
10.12.09,
tampabay.com, Authorities find body in trunk of burned car on Skyway By
Michael Van Sickler and Luis Perez, Times Staff Writers TAMPA — Cameras
fixed on the Sunshine Skyway's tallest span captured it all Monday afternoon:
A car stopped. A man got out. Flames engulfed the car. Then, as Pinellas
firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, the man jumped off the bridge to
his death. Only afterward did firefighters make an even more startling
discovery — a dead body in the trunk. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's
Office did not release the names of the dead Monday. The jumper is a man
believed to be in his 30s. And the body in the trunk was charred so badly,
authorities could not immediately identify the gender. The investigation at
the scene crippled southbound traffic for hours, leaving many stranded on the
bridge into dark. The drama began at 3:12 p.m., said Lt. Joel Granata, a
spokesman for St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. Several 911 callers reported a fire
blocking southbound lanes. Calls continued after firefighters were
dispatched, Granata said. People saw a man walking down a bridge. At least one
saw him holding a gasoline can. Then came the calls about a jumper.
Granata said the whole thing was captured on Department of Transportation
cameras. "They usually see everything that goes on, on the bridge," he said.
The man hit the water close to three fishermen who dragged him out and performed
CPR on him, Granata said. A marine rescue unit arrived and took the man to
O'Neill's Marina in St. Petersburg, where he was declared dead. Meanwhile,
investigators looked in the car's trunk and discovered the body. The fire scene
became a homicide scene and the case was turned over to the Hillsborough County
Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over that part of the bridge. The
episode caused massive traffic problems for commuters. Four hours after the
initial call, only one southbound lane was open, backing up cars backed up more
than 10 miles through St. Petersburg to 54th Avenue N, said Florida Highway
Patrol spokesman Sgt. Larry Kraus. “It's 8:30 p.m. and my mom is still stuck
on that stupid bridge...," wrote one person commenting on tampabay.com.
People waited in traffic for hours. "It's absolutely sick," said Bob Bartlett
at the O'Neill's Marina bait shop. “It happens quite frequently." Because of
the marina's close proximity to the Skyway, Coast Guard vessels often bring the
bodies of bridge jumpers in through O'Neill's, he said. He recognizes the
sadness of lives ended on the Skyway, but wishes strangers didn't have to be so
inconvenienced. "The bridge is tied up," he said Monday evening. "The cars
are backed up. … If someone wants to take their life, why do they have to hold
the bridge up?".
comments follow article.
(thanks to
Taylor B. on
facebook.)
10.13.09,
tampabay.com, Passing driver takes photo of Skyway horror Dan Aberg was
heading south over the Sunshine Skyway on Monday afternoon when he saw a trail
of smoke ahead. Just another accident in the same old trouble spot, he
thought. Still, he had his cell phone in one hand and, while he had never
taken a photograph with it, raised it to his windshield and snapped. He
continued over the bridge at 50 mph and didn't give it another thought.
Until he saw news reports later. Only then did Aberg realize he may have
unwittingly captured a crucial moment in an apparent murder-suicide at the top
of the Skyway that snarled rush hour traffic for hours. The photo shows a
car parked at the top of the bridge, fire shooting out of the trunk and a man
standing nearby. Authorities say a body was found inside the trunk and that
the man who set it jumped off the bridge to his death. "It didn't occur to
me in the slightest that something like this could be going on," Aberg told the
St. Petersburg Times in an exclusive interview. "Stuff happens up there all the
time. I figured somebody's luggage or tire was on fire. Then I saw people
stopped on the side of the road and I saw the emergency people coming, so I
figured everything was under control." The Hillsborough County Sheriff's
Office, which has jurisdiction over that part of the bridge because it spans the
shipping channel, said a small gray car stopped on the bridge around 3 p.m. and
a man got out. As St. Petersburg Fire Rescue tried to extinguish the flames, the
man jumped off the bridge to his death. Then firefighters discovered a burning
body in the trunk. The Lakeland Police Department is now taking over the
investigation. Aberg said he didn't know of the extent of the bizarre
incident on the bridge until he arrived at work in Sarasota on Tuesday morning.
"To be honest, that's just not something I would have thought of," he said.
comments follow article,
mostly the same old arguing back and forth about a situation they know nothing
about. several commenteers wondered why mr. aberg didn't stop to help.
could it be there was a guy that just killed his ex and has set her
body and the car on fire? sure, he didn't know that at the time, but looking at
the picture, one might see some potential danger there. if it were an actual car
fire emergency, the driver of the burning car would have been frantically
flagging down passing cars for help, not pacing around, trying to muster up the courage
to jump off the bridge. we at the jumperpool are pleased
mr. aberg did not stop to help. had he done so, shithead robert laird may have
injured mr. aberg as well. then maybe he would not have jumped to his death, only then to be paraded around in court rooms and on our
news for many years to come. thank you for not stopping to help, mr. aberg.
other than not hanging around a bit longer for a picture of the jackass actually
jumping off the bridge, you
did the right thing. how cool would that picture be?
Dan Aberg, an IT expert for a Sarasota-based company, was driving
over the Sunshine Skyway Monday afternoon when he saw smoke, then a car
burning beside the road. He snapped this photo with his phone and drove
on.
10.13.09,
tampabay.com, Photo of Skyway horror sparks reader discussion.
comments follow article,
like this one: mike, I was coming northbound and saw smoke starting to come
up as I was getting on the bridge. By the time I was to the top it had gotten
thick and the car looked like a fire ball as I drove by. There was a man walking
away from the vehicle headed northbound.
10.14.09,
tampabay.com,
Skyway tragedies tarnish span's reputation for architectural beauty, By Emily Nipps, Times Staff Writer The Sunshine Skyway opened 22 years ago with a ribbon-cutting and
speeches, hailing the structure as an engineering marvel and a symbol of the
Tampa Bay area's future. But for those who
know and travel the bridge, it is as likely to conjure thoughts of lives gone
awry as any appreciation of architectural beauty. This week's murder-suicide left traffic tied up for hours after a man
jumped to his death and left a body burning in a car trunk.
For many, it was just the latest reminder of the Skyway's grim
reputation. Carissa Caricato, a spokeswoman
for the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, was one of the drivers stuck in the Skyway's
northbound lanes about 7 p.m. Monday. She typically avoids the bridge "at all
costs," she said. When she found out what the trouble was, her heart sank.
"It's one thing to know about the things that go on there," Caricato
said. "But to actually see the scene is … very intense."
The original Sunshine
Skyway opened in 1954. It was replaced after one of the most horrific tragedies
in the area's history: In 1980, a wayward phosphate freighter rammed into the
southbound span, collapsing a section. Vehicles plunged into Tampa Bay, and 35
people died. A new, high-tech $240-million
Skyway Bridge went up seven years later. It is one of the most recognized
landmarks in the area but also carries the distinction of being one of the
country's deadliest bridges for suicides. The Skyway ranks fourth behind three bridges on the West Coast, including the
top-ranked Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. More than 130 people have died jumping from the bridge since it opened in
1987. About a dozen who made the 192-foot drop have survived.
Theories vary on why people jump from a bridge. Some believe suicidal
people are drawn to public acts, perhaps to send a message. Others believe in a
copycat effect. Dr. Jerome Motto ran a ward
for suicidal patients at the University of California at San Francisco for more
than 30 years and has published 85 works on suicide and suicide prevention.
"From my experience and intuitive judgment, to commit suicide in any
beautiful place de-stigmatizes the act," said Motto, considered a top expert on
bridge suicides, having interviewed and studied several Golden Gate survivors.
"The majesty of the setting diminishes, and sometimes obliterates, that stigma."
Over the years he has weighed in on various ideas to reduce or stop
suicide attempts on bridges. "With the
Golden Gate Bridge, I know some of those ideas have not been that successful,"
he said. "But you do what you can do." After nearly two dozen Skyway suicides in
1998 and 1999, Gov. Jeb Bush asked state transportation officials to consider
safety nets or fences on the sides of the Skyway. The DOT ruled out those options, saying fences would affect the bridge's
aerodynamics and could make it less safe in high winds. Safety nets would be
ineffective because people could crawl to the edge of the net and jump.
Instead, the DOT installed six solar-powered crisis phones along the
bridge. The phones call into the 24-hour Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, alerting
operators with a special ring. According to
Caricato, the center has received 27 suicide calls from the phones in the past
10 years, including four in the past five months. In all but one of those, the
caller didn't jump. "A lot of people go up
there with a mission in mind, though, and they're the ones who jump," Caricato
said. Monday's events also revived questions
about surveillance cameras. Thirteen cameras
help monitor traffic and other activity on the main span. Images from the
cameras are observed by DOT employees at an office near Busch Gardens in Tampa.
But the cameras can't cover the entire bridge, and they don't record
the images. By the time Monday's incident
popped into view, all the DOT employee could see was a burning car on the edge
of the camera's range. The quality of the
feeds from the Skyway are also grainy, said DOT spokeswoman Kris Carson.
"There's been no pressure" to do more, Carson said, "because I think
what we do is pretty effective." Times
researcher Will Gorham contributed to this report.
comments follow article.
(they spent over $1million on cameras that apparently do not record,
display grainy images, and have little power to stop a jumper. the
solar phones were almost as much and have had success, but few use them. we will
continue pushing this device on all
you clowns in charge that say you want to stop jumpers, but apparently do
nothing more to actually do something about it.
go here.
check it out.
take a look.
click now.)
10.15.09,
tampabay.com, Police say man made trip to daughter's school on day he killed
ex-wife and jumped from Skyway. comments follow article.
10.18.09,
tampabay.com, Sunshine Skyway tragedy reveals two lives taking very
different paths. comments follow article.
10.23.09,
theledger.com, Precautions Evaluated in Skyway Murder Suicide
10.27.09,
poynter.org, Florida Killing Shows Challenges of
Contacting Sources on Facebook
10.12.09, Zachary T.,
facebook, crazy, real life CSI shit. We were stuck in traffic
for an hour but I did get to see the car and all the detectives looking in the
trunk! The car looked like a spent charcoal briquette.
.
09.25.09: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
09.27.09, kelly, bradenton, fl., (09.25.09, 11:30am), I was
driving NB on the bridge and there was an empty silver Blazer on the top of the
span. The car was empty and all the windows were down. There were 4 FHP cars
behind the Blazer. I did not see anything on the news. It really is an erie
feeling. Coming back over the bridge about an hour later, the bridge was clear
and no vehicles were there.
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
09.20.09, zolter, largo, fl., (09.20.09, 10:42pm, male, didn't jump, taken away), FHP on scene of male at top of bridge (south bound-truck)
with legs dangling off the railing. FD units
made silent approach and subject was taken into
custody at about 10:55pm.
09.25.09, Bill, Bradenton Fl., (09.20.09,
10:45pm, didn't jump, taken away), I was there With the two FHP officers after
911 said the troopers didn't cover that area (BULL) the first trooper was
talking to the young man as I was sneeking up on the jumper whom was setting on
the wall facing the drop zone. Then the second trooper showed up and waived me
off as he got ready to make his move, he was 50 ft. closer than I was to the
young man. The 2nd trooper waited until the jumper was looking at trooper 1 and
arround the jumpers truck he went running with all he had by the time the jumper
knew what hit him he was cuffed and off to have some quiet time. GREAT JOB
FHP..
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
09.09.09, zolter,
largo, fl., (09.09.09, 7:36pm, male), FD dispatched to Skyway
Bridge. Witness states she saw a black male walking on the edge of the bridge on
the east span south of the hump. When she looked in rear view mirror she no
longer saw him. Unknown if he jumped/fell. FD has gone available but USCG and
Eckerd College Search and Rescue are doing search pattern in the channel.
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
08.28.09, zolter,
largo, fl., (08.28.09, 4-6am), Fire Dept dispatched about
6:20am this morning. FHP notified the Coast Guard that a vehicle is at the top
of bridge (north bound). FHP located the vehicle and moved the vehicle off the
bridge. FHP gave info that the vehicle was stolen and the driver got another
ride off the bridge. One hour later, the story changed. Now it is being reported
that keys and all possessions were in the vehicle. Family member of the owner
report that he/she was involved in stealing mail and driver felt they dishonored
the family. Family last spoke to driver/owner about 4am. USCG is currently
searching Tampa Bay with FD Marine Unit. I am sure the story may still change
further.
08.28.09,
tampabay.com, Stolen car left atop Skyway triggers fruitless search for
jumper, By Brant James, Times Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG – A possible lag in communication between authorities may have
slowed the response to a suicide attempt on the Sunshine Skyway early Friday
morning. Or someone chose an odd place to dump a stolen car. Florida
Highway Patrol responded to a disabled beige four-door Ford parked on the bridge
around 4 a.m. and had it towed away around 6 a.m. after learning that it had
been reported stolen, according to spokesman Sgt. Larry Kraus. The keys were
still inside. FHP notified St. Petersburg Fire Rescue at 7:20 a.m., which
began a search with the Coast Guard, according to Fire Rescue spokesman Lt. Joel
Granata. Rescuers were baffled: there was no evidence of a vehicle or a
suicide attempt on the roadway or traffic cameras. A search of the rocks and
waters beneath the bridge yielded nothing. FHP has no suspects in the theft of
the vehicle and no other indication that anyone used to facilitate a suicide
attempt.#090895 It's unclear why FHP waited three hours to notify
rescuers.
comments follow article. (thanks to Mike in Apollo Beach.)(one million
dollars worth of bridge cameras and they have nothing to show? well, nothing
they wish to share with those paying for the service. we wonder what other sort of
vehicles could be abandoned on the bridge in such mystery.)
jumperpool.com does not advocate anyone abandoning any vehicle on the bridge
without proper authority.
08.28.09,
tbo.com, Abandoned car leads to search for possible Skyway jumper, By
STEPHEN THOMPSON, The Tampa Tribune ST. PETERSBURG - A stolen car abandoned
on the Sunshine Skyway this morning led to the search for a possible jumper.
But no one has been found, and authorities say it's unclear whether the driver
jumped from the bridge or found another way off after leaving the car there.
A citizen spotted the beige Ford four-door sedan at 4:48 a.m., and a trooper was
dispatched at 4:50 a.m., said Sgt. Larry Kraus of the Florida Highway Patrol The
trooper arrived at 5 a.m. and found the keys inside the car. As a precaution,
the highway patrol asked the U.S. Coast Guard to search the area beneath the
bridge. Authorities with St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue said they also were
asked to help. (thanks to Freefalling in Tampa.)
08.28.09,
Susan S. W.,
facebook, Why is there
even a search for someone who jumps? Let things go.....fish need to eat to.....
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
08.09.09, cheepsters,
palmetto, fl., (08.09.09, 11:00pm), several
police cars speeding by the toll plaza with lights on. southbound traffic closed for recovery.
08.10.09, zolter, largo, fl., (08.09.09, 11:37pm, male, didn't jump, taken
away), Subject was detained at about 12:15am after discussions with PD.
thank you, jumpnews
reporter:
07.31.09, Corwin O. A., St Pete., (07.30.09, 5:30pm, female, was
stopped from jumping), Our carpool group witnessed a woman at the very top of
the northbound lane being loaded in a FHP car with handcuffs. Potential jumper
in a dark older import. Potential jumper was haggard in appearance. We were
really scared.
07.17.09: jumper, 9:47am, male, hit water, lived, then dies 08.02.09 Matthew
James Clark, 43
winner: good4you,
tampa guessed: 07.17.09, 10:15pm, female, hit water, dies, body found in
2-6 days
thank you,
jumpnews
reporters:
07.17.09, Johnny Jumper, Water Way, FL., (07.17.09, 9:47am, male, hit water, lived), Scanner, pick up by fishing boat,
still alive, left truck on top of bridge
07.17.09, Ry, st petersburg,
(07.17.09, 9:47am, male, hit water, lived), 40 something year old male jumped from skyway... 911 callers
saw it happen. a boater under the bridge quickly recovered the body
who was breathing and unconscious. pt was considered a trauma alert.
taken to hospital
07.17.09, casey s., st pete
beach, fl, it just happened one hour ago...7/17/09 around 9:30 AM
07.17.09, Mike, apollo beach, (07.17.09, 9:30am, male, hit water, lived),
wfla is reporting a male jumped off the center span about
930 this morning barley missing a boat that ended up rescuing him.
08.02.09, Anonymous, Tampa, FL.,
Matt Clark died last night at the hospital. He appeared to be recovering,
but the injuries were just too substantial and complications took him
away. Matt will be terribly missed by his family and friends.
07.25.09,
tampabay.com, jumper identified: Matthew
James Clark, 43, Tampa
07.17.09,
tampabay.com, Man survives Skyway leap, is rescued by fishermen, By
Brant James, Times Staff Writer, Posted: Jul 17, 2009 10:27 AM ST.
PETERSBURG — A man who apparently jumped from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
was pulled from the water alive but seriously injured Friday morning.
Three men fishing underneath the span came to the rescue, St. Petersburg
Fire Rescue authorities said. The man, who is described as a white male
in his 30s, was transported to Bayfront Medical Center, where he was
listed in critical condition, according to information from Fire Rescue
spokesman Lt. Joel Granata. Witnesses said the man parked a Ford F-150
pickup near the top of the northbound span around 9:47 a.m. and jumped. It
is unclear whether the fishermen aboard the 18-foot center-console vessel
saw the man fall or heard a splash, Granata said. They told rescuers only
that the man was bleeding when they pulled him aboard. A
search-and-rescue boat from Eckerd College was first to reach the
fishermen, who were told to maintain position until authorities arrived.
The identity of the victim has not been released. The identities of the
fishermen were not immediately available. comments
follow article. (thanks
to Zolter in Largo, Largo Looney in Largo,
and Mark in Tampa)
07.17.09,
myfoxtampabay.com, Man survives Sunshine Skyway jump ST. PETERSBURG - St.
Petersburg Fire Rescue says a man who jumped from the center span of the
Sunshine Skyway Bridge this morning survived. Several witnesses
said they spotted a man in his 30's park his F-150 Ford pickup truck, walk
over to the edge and jump shortly after 9:30 a.m., according to SPFR.
Three fishermen in an 18-foot fishing boat where nearby and pulled him
onboard until paramedics arrived. The man , whose name has not been
released, was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in critical condition. (thanks to
facebook friend Amy D. and zenbohemian in Largo, FL.)
07.17.09,
tbo.com, Fishermen rescue man who jumped from Sunshine Skyway TAMPA
- A man survived a jump from the center of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge this
morning after three men in a fishing boat pulled him to safety.
Paramedics with St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue, with help from its marine
unit and Eckerd College Search and Rescue, met the 18-foot fishing boat
and stabilized the man, fire and recue said. Several witnesses saw the
man, described as in his mid-30s, park a white Ford F-150 pickup on the
bridge at about 9:45 a.m. He walked to the edge and jumped, landing near
the fishing boat. The man was taken by boat to O'Neill's Marina, 6701
34th Street S., and then by ambulance to Bayfront Medical Center. His
name was not immediately available. He is the fifth person to jump from
the bridge in 2009 and the second to survive.
(thanks to Ted S. in Dunedin, FL.)
07.18.09,
bradenton.com, Skyway jumper rescued by Bradenton fishermen critical,
By CARL MARIO NUDI MANATEE — A man remained in critical condition
Saturday, one day after he jumped from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and was
rescued by three fishermen. A nursing supervisor at Bayfront Medical
Center in St. Petersburg said the man, who has not been identified, was in
"critical but stable" condition Saturday night. He was rushed to the
hospital Friday afternoon. Bradenton resident Steve Burkholder and his
two nephews from South Carolina were fishing in a boat under the bridge
just before noon Friday when they heard someone yell above and then saw a
man fall into Tampa Bay, Burkholder's wife, Annette Burkholder, told the
Bradenton Herald. Annette Burkholder relayed the story of the suicide
attempt and a subsequent rescue because her husband and the nephews were
too upset to talk about it, she said. A St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue
spokesman confirmed the man parked a pickup at the top of the Skyway,
climbed a wall and jumped. Witnesses told Fire and Rescue personnel at
9:47 a.m. a man, in his 30s, parked a Ford F-150 pickup near the top of
the northbound lane, got out and jumped. Annette Burkholder said her
husband told her the three fishermen heard a voice above on the bridge
say, "Don't do it." With Steve Burkholder were nephews Justin Saboley,
24, and Austin Saboley, 16, of South Carolina. “It was around 11:30
a.m.,” Annette Burkholder said in a telephone interview. “The man landed
in the water about 100 yards from the boat.” She said when they reached
the man he was floating face down in the water and they pulled him into
boat. “He was not breathing and was all purple,” Annette Burkholder
said. “There was blood coming from his eyes and ears. He was dead.”
Steve Burkholder and the older nephew began pounding on the man’s chest
while Austin called 911, she said. By the time the St. Petersburg Fire
and Rescue boat arrived about 15 minutes later, the man was breathing, the
spokesman said. comments
follow article.
07.25.09,
tampabay.com, Bradenton man's unlikely catch under Sunshine Skyway
bridge is a lifesaver, By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer,
video: man recounts sunshine skyway rescue,
2m13s. Steve
Burkholder was fishing under the Sunshine Skyway bridge with two of his
nephews when he heard someone scream from above: "No!" He looked up
and saw a man hurtling nearly 200 feet into the water, causing a 15-foot
splash. The fisherman lifted anchor and steered his boat to the man,
who was face-up in "a dead man's float." His eyes were closed, his skin
purple and swollen. His shoes were floating nearby. Blood pooled in the
water around him. Burkholder and one of his nephews pulled the man
aboard his 181/2-foot boat while the other nephew called the Coast Guard.
Burkholder began CPR and listened for a heartbeat. Silence. He
felt for a pulse. Nothing. He and his nephews began to pray.
About 30 seconds later, the man began to sputter and wheeze. "You
know, God uses pretty much anybody," Burkholder said. "I don't know why he
chose me." • • • The sky was dark over Warner West Bayou in
Manatee County the morning of July 17. Burkholder, 48, was preparing for a
day of fishing for grouper and snapper with his nephews — Justin Saboley,
24, and Austin Saboley, 16. The boat lights wouldn't work so he and
his nephews decided to wait till sunrise. Burkholder considers the
delay a blessing. They took to the water about 6:30 a.m. and headed
for the rocks around the Skyway. But first Burkholder, as he always does,
said a prayer "for safety and lots of fish." Burkholder says he's no
religious fanatic, but he prays a lot and tries to get to church every
Sunday at the Bridge Church at Palma Sola Bay. He owns a
land-surveying business and calls himself a regular guy. When he's not
working or fishing, he plays guitar. He drinks a beer now and then.
God didn't answer his prayer for lots of fish that morning. Not even a
nibble. Burkholder calls that a blessing, too. Because on this
particular day, with no bites and not much else to do, Burkholder steered
the boat to the other side of the bridge. It was almost 10 a.m. At
that moment, about 200 feet above, a man was about to jump. • • •
Matthew James Clark, 43, lives in Tampa, but hasn't left the intensive
care unit of Bayfront Medical Center since that Friday morning. A week
after he smashed into Tampa Bay, he was listed in extremely critical
condition. His brother, Dave, says the family is in no shape to talk.
His mother, Kathy, says her son is coming along "as well as can be
expected." Burkholder discovered Clark's identity when he pulled out
his wallet after realizing he was alive. "I started calling him by his
first name. I'll never forget his name." Clark didn't say anything
until rescuers loaded him onto a stretcher and secured his neck with a
brace. He started yelling that he couldn't breathe, Burkholder said,
remembering how wide the man's eyes were. Burkholder and his nephews
later ate sandwiches to calm their nerves, then decided to try fishing
again. They caught two plump jacks. • • • Burkholder's wife,
Annette, calls him a hero. "Scripture says Jesus will make us fishers of
men," Annette recalls telling her husband. "I said, 'God literally
made you a fisher of men.' " The two met 23 years ago. Burkholder was
in a motorcycle crash, and Annette came across the road to hold his head
in her lap as he waited for the ambulance. "Accidental things are
good," she said. The couple have three children — Shawn, 24; Heather,
17; and Katie, 15. "They were really proud of their dad," she said. So
was his 16-year-old nephew, Austin: "I just realized how fragile life is
and how easy it can be taken away.'' • • • Burkholder has hardly
slept since it happened. When he does, he goes back to the Skyway in
dreams. In real life, he has returned twice. He calls it his therapy.
But he doesn't look up much toward the big bridge, so high that speeding
trucks look like toys and the massive cables like flimsy twine. He's
afraid of heights. Burkholder checks in with Clark's family every few
days. He wants to talk to him. He knows what he'll say: "Times are tough,
but God's given you a second chance. He pulled you out of the water." (many
comments
follow the article, most of which seem to argue god's involvement with mr. clark's
jump survival. if there is one thing we've learned in
life, it's not to argue whether religious fables are real or not. sure, we
tend to express our disbelief, but we know it does nothing but cause angst
amongst the devout. so much so, during the history of this web site, we
have received a handful of death threats. all but one were written by
angry self-righteous religious extremist ranters in the name
of their god. the holy hypocrisy is astounding. we
simply let the believers believe in their modified over the centuries stories
and man made
characters. free will
allows them to choose their own belief and we try to respect that. it does, however, get
quickly annoying when it becomes the center of most any conversation.
"jesus said this", "god prevailed in that", "the holy spirit blah blah
blah". ok, you believe, we get it. ever wonder why your less religious
friends scatter when you start in on your endless blather? they are off
looking for ice picks to jab into their ears. knock it off, you are
driving everyone bat shit. where was your god when this man jumped? was he
dealing with starving kids somewhere? striking many with cruel disease?
maybe off developing a new galaxy in the back forty of his universe?
so mr. clark jumps and
suddenly, in mid flight, this god character steps in to keep him alive
and, as an added bonus, throws in a rescuer at the last moment. wonderful
story! totally believable! one would think this divine creator and
controller of all things could have intervened while he was driving to the
bridge, not upon impact with the water. we truly hope mr. clark recovers
to a point his life can resume better than it apparently was before god
finally stepped in. mr. burkholder was in the right place at the right
time. it was he that stepped in. the thanks go to him. amen. update:
08.03.09, apparently, your god was only kidding and
decided to simply torture mr. clark for two weeks and then let him die
anyway.)
08.03.09,
tampabay.com, Man rescued by boater after jumping from the Sunshine
Skyway dies, By Kim Wilmath, Times Staff Writer The 43-year-old man who
was rescued by a fisherman after jumping from the Sunshine Skyway last
month died Sunday. Matthew James Clark, of
[address withheld] in Tampa, had been at Bayfront Medical Center
since Steve Burkholder of Bradenton pulled him onto his boat July 17.
Burkholder said Clark was unconscious for several minutes while he
performed CPR and prayed for the man with his two nephews. Clark's
family declined to comment, saying only that they were planning a funeral.
Burkholder said the family told him Clark died of an aneurysm in his lung.
comments
follow the article. (thanks to Zolter in Largo, Largo Looney in Largo,
LDR in clearwater, Cc in Tampa, and L Ron Hubbub in Clearwater, FL.)
(your comments
are welcome.)
07.27.09, Tim, Tarpon Springs, Fl., Stopping the car/truck before it gets
to the top of the bridge makes zero sense!! God however, has used this
event to allow matt to live therefore, giving him the chance at re birth
and one hell of a constant visual, physical and very real deterent for the
future.
(so stopping at the top makes sense? what are you talking about?)
07.30.09, katie, st.pete, usa, florida, This person that jumped off
the brige i knew. he was a good person. I think the reson he did it is
besauce he is losing his house and has really nothing. Im onley 11 my dad
know this guy to there were good friends. I remember the day befor he went
me and my dad were talking to him. Im so glad he did not die. He had a cat
that his next store nabor id taking car of. he lived in unedin florida.
and i have seen hi pick ford/truck about evey day i was at my dads house.
I miss him alot and hope hes ok. you can contact me a
[email address withheld]
08.03.09, Melissa R. S.,
facebook, what a hero, he should
be rewarded but instead he'll be scarred for life b/c of such a selfish
act....
.
07.13.09: save
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
07.13.09, zolter,
largo, fl., (07.13.09, 9:51pm, female, used phones: no, didn't jump, taken
away), 9:51pm FD dispatch. FHP
made contact with while female about 100 feet
in front of her minivan. North bound at top of
bridge. Taken into custody at 10:02pm.
07.13.09, Daniel J., St.
Petersburg, (07.13.09, 10:00pm), As I was paying respects to
the man who jumped on the 5th of July, I was driving back up the Skyway to see a
van pulled off on the side of the road. I keep driving to see someone walking up
the bridge with a Road Ranger walking towards him. I then faintly watch him
disappear. Unbelievable.
07.05.09: jumper, 6:45am, male, no phones, hit rocks, died,
body found same day Judd L. Langenhahn, 51
winner: Girlie Medic, Wesley Chapel, FL, USA. guessed: 07.04.09, 9:00pm, male, no hotline phones, hit water, dies,
body found same day
thank you,
jumpnews
reporters:
07.05.09, TH,
Dunedin, (07.05.09, 06:45am, male, hit water), Pinellas County EMS
system at 0645. Witness saw man at top of bridge sitting on edge of Southbound
lane at very top. Witness then saw man fall into water. Maroon Van left at top
of bridge. At 0654 07/05/2009, there are 12 units enroute to the skyway,
including a Coast Guard Vessel, 3 County Marine Units, and Eckerd College.
Godspeed the rescue personnel putting their lives on the line.
07.05.09, ouchie day, st. petersburg, fl., (07.05.09, 06:45am, male, used phones: no, hit rocks, died, body found), heard on scanner. passerby saw man exit vehicle at top of spam
southbound and sit on ledge. then went over. st. pete fire marine units found
him on rocks near waterline. confirmed death. not much else to report.
07.06.09, Tampa Tony, Tampa, (07.05.09, 6:30am, used phones: no, hit rocks, died, body found),
one went off on 7/5/09 at around 0630 hours, hit the rocks
07.09.09,
tbo.com, St. Pete Beach bartender jumps to death from Skyway TAMPA - A 51-year-old St. Pete
Beach man jumped to his death Sunday morning from the Sunshine Skyway
bridge. Judd L. Langenhahn, who worked
as a bartender at a restaurant, was seen jumping from the southbound span
of the bridge about 6:53 p.m., according to the Hillsborough County
Medical Examiner. Langenhahn's van was
found parked on the bridge but a search was delayed until it was towed
from the scene because of severe weather in the area.
He is the fourth person to jump from the bridge in 2009. One
person survived. Relatives told
investigators Langenhahn was suffering from severe depression, which
prevented him from working, and had been talking about suicide.
A mass will be held at St. John's Vianney Catholic Church, 445
82nd Ave., St. Pete Beach, at 11 a.m. Friday, and a celebration of life
will be held at the Holiday Inn Sunspree, 6800 Sunshine Lane, St.
Petersburg, at 4 p.m. Saturday. In
lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the SPCA
Tampa Bay.
07.06.09,
God Bless, St. Petersburg, FL., (07.05.09, 6:45am, male, used phones: no,
hit rocks, died), God bless the fallen. His name was Judd, I've known him
for over 18 years. He used to work at the Bar on the beach at Holiday Inn
near the jumpsite (which he looked at the Skyway everyday).
[personal info edited out] Never leave a depressed individual alone, they will find a
way out. (sorry you lost your friend.)
07.06.09, Gilligan, St. Pete, FL., I can't believe that
this happened to Judd. I knew him very well. I feel really bad about every
joke I've ever made about skyway jumpers. I never knew he was in that
state of mind. Gill. (sorry you lost your
friend. seems many suicidals hide their inner torment and choose to stay
silent. do keep in mind, however, he could of found help if he truly
wanted help. depression is curable. it was his choice in how he cured
himself. if you wish to delete or edit your comments from the past, please
point them out to us and we will.) a reply:
07.08.09, Gilligan, St. Pete, FL.,
Thanks, but after I slept on
it... I've decided that it is my right of expression to speak my feelings
on the insanity of the act. Simply because it hit home to me cannot deter
me from my participation at jumperpool. I hope that there are those that
can see that I am a fan of this website and I have lost a friend to the
very exact demise that is documented on this website and I want everyone
to see the aftermath of those who are left behind.
07.08.09, anon, Bradenton, I knew
Judd, still hard to believe, I knew he was depressed because he was
strugglin with sobriety but i never would ve thought he would do this. Its
probably hard to kick it when you work in the environment, but ........
.
07.04.09: possible jumper
thank you,
jumpnews
reporter:
07.04.09, big dawg, bradenton, fl., (07.04.09, 11:00am), as i was goin to st pete this mornin a car was stopped
at the top with drivers door open. as i passed i looked and saw what looked
like a middle aged man lookin over the side, then i noticed an undercover suv
in my rearview pullin into emergency lane. the person looked at the suv and
thats when they dropped outa sight. if anyone knows what happened let me know,
kinda curious.
thank you,
jumpnews
reporter:
06.13.09, anon, Parrish, fl., (06.13.09, 12:15pm,
used phones),
We were driving northbound on the skyway and there were two jumpers, both on
the southbound side, one on the incline, one on the decline. Cops and firetrucks were on the incline side and it appeared the attempted jumper used
the crisis phone. While all that was going on we first saw the "decline"
jumper and called 911, the emergency workers could not see the jumper on the
other side so I don't know if they got to him/her but dispatch was aware and
had units on the way. My fiance sees at least one jumper/attempted jumper a
week on his work commute. I don't know the outcome of the one we saw first but
the "incline" jumper appeared to be reached in time. It really stops you in
your tracks and makes you think. I felt devastated after seeing these two
people attempting to end thier lives and leaving all of these witnesses to
wonder and even grieve for them not even knowing them. I can't imagine the
pain and anguish the families and friends of these people go through and I
pray to God I never will. GOD BE WITH THE VICTIMS LEFT IN MOURNING.
05.29.09: jumper, 5:40am, female, hit water, died, body found
same day Arcadia Miriam Moyer, 19
winner: Dedy, Riverview, FL guessed: 05.29.09, 2:20pm, male, no hotline phones, hit water, dies, body found
same day
thank you,
jumpnews
reporters:
05.29.09, Mark,
Tampa, FL., (05.29.09, 5:45am), Coming south on 275
this AM I followed an ambulance with emergency lights on that got off at the
North Skyway Pier. At the top of the bridge on the north bound side there was
what looked like a silver Hyundai stopped at the center span with a FHP behind
it. On the other end of the bridge there was a SPFD truck that had turned
around going back north with emergency lights on.
05.29.09, anon, I believe we have another jumper today May29th, 2009.
Little silver car at the top, no passenger, cops everywhere....Huumm One can
only assume that today was the last straw for someone. My husband spotted all
the commotion this morning on his way into work. North bound lane. Permanent solution to a
temporary situation!
05.29.09, Paul, Sarasota, FL., (05.29.09, 5:40am,
female, hit water, died, body found same day),
WWBA 820 Radio was
reporting that a woman's body was fished out of the water and that she had
jumped from the Skyway.
05.29.09, kaitlyn, palmetto, fl., (05.29.09, 7:15am), I don't know if
this is relevant in any way, but I wanted to share. I was doing my daily
commute this morning and reached the very top of the Skyway Bridge.
Heading northbound, there was a small gray car off in the right median.
The windshield wipers were on and going fast, even though there was no
rain. There was one police officer there. His lights were on and he was
sitting in the car. When I drove past the gray car, it seemed to be
abandoned. The passenger door was slighty open. I immediately knew it was
a jumper, but I was surprised not to see more police activity. As I was
coming down the other side of the bridge, I did see a Coast Guard
helicopter approaching. (thank you
for your input. usually when a jumper jumps, there isn't much left to do
on the bridge, as all the activity is now down below. we often wonder why
sometimes there are far too many first responders on the bridge, tying up
traffic, when there is only one abandoned car. one trooper and a
tow truck should about cover it, right?)
05.29.09,
Hillsborough County Sheriff: Victim:
Arcadia Miriam Moyer, dob: 09-03-89,
[address withheld],
Female, approximately 20 years
of age, Suicide, May 29, 2009 at approximately 5:42 a.m., Sunshine Skyway Bridge,
This morning at approximately 5:42 a.m. Florida Highway Patrol discovered
an abandoned 2003 Hyundai on the center span of the Skyway Bridge. Coast
Guard responded along with Sheriff’s Office helicopter and the body of a
female was recovered by the Coast Guard at approximately 7:31 a.m.
05.29.09,
tbo.com,
Woman's body found after jump from Sunshine Skyway
TAMPA - A woman jumped off the Sunshine Skyway this morning, and her body was
later recovered in the water, St. Petersburg fire officials said. According to video of the incident and witness accounts, the woman drove her
2003 Hyundai to the apex of the bridge, got out and jumped about 5:40 a.m.,
said Lt. Joel Granata, spokesman for St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue. A
U.S. Coast Guard helicopter spotted her body, and it was recovered four miles
from the bridge about 7:30 a.m., Granata said. The Hillsborough County
Sheriff's Office, whose jurisdiction includes the segment of the bridge from
which the woman leapt, is investigating. (thanks to rachel
in tampa, fl.)
05.29.09,
tampabay.com, Coast Guard recovers body of woman who jumped from
Sunshine Skyway this morning, UPDATE The Hillsborough County Sheriff's
Office has identified the woman as Arcadia Miriam Moyer, 19, of St.
Petersburg. ST. PETERSBURG -- The Coast Guard has recovered the body of an
unidentified woman who jumped from the Sunshine Skyway early this morning,
according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's office and St. Petersburg Fire
Rescue. Coast Guard helicopters found the body of an unidentified five-ft
2-in. woman floating in the water about four miles from the bridge at 7:28
a.m., nearly two hours after the first reports of a suspicious vehicle at the
top of the bridge. "I know there was a strong current and plus it was
night. It hampered their search," said Lt. Joel Granata, spokesman for St.
Petersburg Fire Rescue. "Time is of the essence." A marine unit from St.
Petersburg Fire Rescue recovered the body and took it to the nearby O'Neill's
Marina. Officials checked the vehicle abandoned at the top of the bridge
and found the woman's personal effects, including her driver license and
wallet. This is the second time this month someone jumped from the 5.5
mile long Skyway bridge. On May 4, a 41-year old Bradenton woman jumped 200
feet and survived but suffered life-threatening injuries. According to
jumperpool.com there have been
two suicides, four possibles, two saves and one survivor from the Skyway this
year. Earlier this year, the St. Petersburg Times reported on the growing
number of suicides and people calling suicide hotlines. The Florida Highway Patrol reported more suicides were attempted
in 2008 than in any year since 2000. That year, 29 people threatened to jump
off the bridge, nine were fatal. In 2007, 18 people made attempts to jump.
In 1999, six red crisis phones were installed connecting users to a suicide
hotline. Call 911 or 211 to reach the nearest crisis center or toll-free,
1-800-273-8255, to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In 2001,
Florida Department of Transportation spent nearly $1-million installing 17
surveillance cameras along the bridge. - Brant James, Jared Leone, Times staff
writer. comments follow article. like this one: Posted by: chi_tino, Friday, May 29, 2009 at 12:09 PM, I think it's
awesome that the St Pete Times, the authority on local news, is referencing
jumperpool.com as a source for their data. Splat!
('awesome' is not quite the word we had in mind.)
what
is stopping the powers-that-be from installing
this device along the bridge? we're
sure it could be done for less than $1million. had
they done so, this woman might still be alive. they talk a lot about jumper prevention,
add more patrols, but
only offer up hit or miss crisis phones and 17 worthless
cameras whose only function is to record jumper videos. fail.
05.29.09,
tbo.com
reader comments: bookishbabe_88, 10:52am, I have lived in Southern
Hillsborough Co. my whole life, my dad worked on the new Skyway bridge in the
80's so I'm familiar with the awful things that have gone on there. But
nothing compares to driving into work on this Friday morning, and seeing an
abandoned car with a patrol car behind it at the apex of the bridge, and
knowing in your gut that someone chose to take their life by jumping off the
bridge. It truly sent a chill down my spine to think that a person stood there
just hours earlier and made that decision. It makes me sick to think of it and
I feel awful for the families and loved ones that these selfish people have
left behind. What is even worse is that I have only been making the commute
over the Skyway for a little over a month and this is the second person, and
the second woman, to jump. That alone is a frightening statistic. macysrocks, 12:15 pm, I too traveled the Skyway this morning and was upset to
see an abandoned car with a patrol car behind it. It's hard to imagine what
problems the woman was facing that her only solution was to end her life.
05.29.09, A dear Friend who cries, Fl., I knew the "jumper" I won't mention
her name out of our friendship. She was a beautiful sweet 19 year old girl who
had a very very had life. We tried to help. She was so sweet and kind to
everyone. But everyone in her life was not kind to her. She did not deserve
the life she had. Unfortunately she did this. We love her. We miss her. She
was not selfish she was hurting. A beautiful soul in a heartless situation. We
did what we could but she was just too young and did not reach out for anyone
this time. I hope she is in God's hands. We will miss you baby. You will
always be in our hearts.
05.29.09, anon, Bradenton, FL., I too, drive
over the bridge daily and saw the abandoned silver car at the top of the
bridge with two police cars behind it. I make the commute 4 days/week and it
makes me so sad when I see abandoned cars. To think that someone chooses to
jump off the bridge to end their life... and to also hear how painful it is in
the process... no thanks. Don't hurt your families... think of someone other
than yourself and think twice... if you're faced with the decision just wait
another day or talk to someone. So sad!
05.30.09, A friend, The jumper
was a very dear friend of mine. I will not use her name out of respect for the
family. She was a beautiful 19 yo girl who had a life she didn't deserve. We
tried to help. But I guess it was just too much for her. She was a very giving
and loving person. She never hurt anyone but I can't say that about the people
she was around. Her smile was the best. She will be dearly missed and in our
hearts forever. We love you "C" I wish you would have called. I would have
been there no matter what. BTW, it wasn't a selfish decision, she was truely
troubled. I feel sad. Please pray for the family.
05.30.09, Brandie,
Bradenton, Fl., I just want to say that some of you have no idea how it feels
to get to that point in your life that you feel there is just no other option
but to take your own life. The young woman who jumped yesterday morning was a
beautiful girl with a promising future but an easy life she did not have. And
her personal life was troubled. It is very sad that this time she felt she
could not reach out for help, and it is very sad that anyone here could
consider her selfish when you do not know her pain. There is no greater pain
then the pain one suffers when they feel they have run out of options. I weep
not only for her family but I weep for this beautiful soul that some of you
have critisized for her exetreme desire to be pain free. She did not deserve
judgement she deserved your condolences and prayers. God Bless you "C" and may
you now rest in peace and harmony and be pain free.
07.27.09, Ed,
St.Pete, Hello: I'm in shock disbelief of how many
people are jumping from that bridge. And we never hear about it. All those
souls are very sad to think about. However; when a kid like Arcadia Miriam
Moyer ends her life, it's really bad. Is there anymore info about the facts
leading up to the jump? Nine-teen yrs. old! I have a bird that's 20!
(we've been across that bridge many times. there is no way we could imagine
stepping off of it. there is also no way we can imagine what drives a person
to do so. what hell is created within one's mind that forces them to end their
own life? luckily, most of us will never live that hell.)
.
05.22.09: article •
Deadly jumps are darker side of Sunshine Skyway bridge
05.22.09,
tbo.com, Suicides at the Sunshine Skyway bridge have fueled a morbid
fascination that has given rise to a new documentary and an irreverent Web
site. By BAIRD HELGESON | The Tampa Tribune
ST. PETERSBURG - The Sunshine Skyway bridge rises gracefully over
the water and returns gently to the land, a majestic concrete arch held
aloft with golden rays of steel. Travel magazines and car
commercials feature Tampa Bay's breathtaking gateway.
But the span is also one of the region's deadliest stretches of
road — because of suicides, not traffic crashes.
More people come here to end their lives than anywhere in Florida,
fueling a morbid fascination that has given rise to a new documentary and
an irreverent Web site. (hey, we resemble that
remark.) Steven Picciuto
leaped in September, ending a life tangled in addiction and depression.
"He always talked about jumping off that bridge," said his former
wife, Alyson. At least 135 people have
jumped from the Sunshine Skyway since the existing bridge opened in 1987.
Only three bridges are known to top that: the Golden Gate Bridge in San
Francisco, the Aurora Bridge in Seattle and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.
About nine people a year jumped from the Sunshine Skyway in the
past 10 years, according to data compiled by The Tampa Tribune. Nearly all
of them died. As few as four people jumped in 2004, as many as 13 in 1999.
Two people have jumped this year. One died; one survived.
Often, those who choose suicide don't think about the questions and
heartache they will leave behind, experts say. People who choose jumping
to end their lives are often self-centered and possess a sense of
grandeur. "You are on stage," said Jerald
Ratner, a forensic psychiatrist from Cape Coral. "It symbolizes a
glorification of suicide. It's an act you want people to notice."
People who jump often imagine an end that is certain, instant and
painless. They usually step off the Skyway during the day. They seldom
leave a note. But if they're seeking to
wrap themselves in the majesty of the landmark, in a cathartic collision
of body and water, in a warm entry to the afterlife, they may face a
painful disappointment. Only the lucky
ones die quickly. Taking preventive
measures The Sunshine Skyway is Florida's
highest span, carrying an average of 51,000 vehicles a day nearly 200 feet
above the water — or two-thirds the length of a football field — as it
links the north and south sides of Tampa Bay.
The new bridge was built after a freighter slammed into a support
on the old bridge 29 years ago this month, sending cars and a bus plunging
into the shipping channel below. Thirty-five people died.
It was no secret the old bridge was attractive to people bent on
suicide. Fifty-five jumped from it between 1958 and 1986, according to
Tribune data. Former Gov. Bob Graham was
instrumental in getting the new bridge designed and built. The goal was to
make it safer for motorists and maritime vessels, he said.
Graham was not surprised suicides continued when the new bridge
opened in April 1987. "Tall structures
including bridges have been an attraction for people in the most extreme
mental condition, so it is tragic but not unexpected that the Sunshine
Skyway has seen its share of suicides," he said in an e-mail interview.
In 1999, Gov. Jeb Bush asked the state Department of Transportation
to consider walls or netting to help prevent people from jumping.
Possible fixes proved unrealistic because of wind resistance and
the multimillion-dollar price tag. The nets also raised concerns about
entangling rare birds. Instead, the state
opted for round-the-clock patrols and six solar-powered phones wired to a
crisis hot line. A special ring alerts counselors to the urgency.
The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay has documented 23 calls from the
phones on the bridge since 1999. Every caller was persuaded not to jump,
said Jennifer Durgee, a crisis center spokeswoman.
The Sunshine Skyway has no pedestrian walkway or wide area at the
top to pull over. A motorist pays a dollar at a toll plaza to drive over
the bridge, and to stop safely, must pull into a hazard lane barely wider
than a pickup. A remote video camera would
likely catch the illegal stop. A Florida Highway Patrol trooper along the
five-mile span would head to the spot, usually arriving within minutes.
The Florida Department of Transportation monitors the cameras.
But if no one intervenes in time and the motorist jumps to his
death, a quirk in political boundaries creates a logistical issue.
The bridge connects St. Petersburg in Pinellas County and Terra
Ceia in Manatee County. The top of the span, however, is in a watery
finger of Hillsborough County. Hillsborough law enforcement and medical examiner's staff are called to
investigate most suicides, those where a witness sees the leap from the
top of the span. If there are no witnesses
and the body surfaces in Pinellas County, Pinellas takes on the
investigation and autopsy. If the body is found in Manatee, authorities
there handle it. Most bodies are
recovered. A documentary, Web site
Sean Michael Davis was on the bridge hauling a load of furniture to
his new home on Snead Island in Palmetto when he saw someone leap from the
bridge last year. His truck crested the
span in time to see a human form vanish from the edge of the bridge.
"I couldn't do anything," said Davis, an award-winning documentary
filmmaker who also works with Fox TV's "Cops."
He pulled over and called 911. It
had never occurred to him that the bridge might be a prominent place for
people to end their lives. He read what he
could find about the bridge and suicides, and decided to make a
documentary. He is nearly finished filming. His goal is to prevent
suicides. "I need to show people the pain
and the humiliation for their family and loved ones, the mass of human
emotion," Davis said. His research took
him to JumperPool.com, a Web site where visitors are greeted by the sound
of a splash. The home page warns of "politically incorrect" material.
Inside the site, visitors find a list of incidents, grisly details
from medical examiner reports and the feature that gives the site its
name: a chance to guess when the next person will jump. Bonus questions
include gender and how long it will take to recover the body.
There is also a forum for comments. For 10 years, the forum has
drawn angry critics, some of whom identify themselves as victims'
relatives, but also people talking openly about the pain of suicide's
aftermath. One horrific account comes from
a man who said he was fishing beneath the Skyway when he saw someone smash
into the water 20 yards from his boat. Slowed by anchor problems, the
fisherman said, it took him several minutes to reach the spot.
He said he felt guilty he couldn't save the person.
JumperPool.com visitors left messages urging him not to feel
responsible. The founder of the site
declined in an e-mail to be interviewed on the record or to identify
himself. He said his motive is to spook would-be jumpers by showing the
ghastly way in which people die and the devastation inflicted on the loved
ones they leave behind. Similarities and
differences Fifty percent more people die
by suicide than by homicide nationwide, a couple thousand of them each
year in Florida. According to the Florida
Suicide Prevention Coalition, 2,570 Floridians killed themselves in 2007.
Those who choose the Sunshine Skyway are overwhelmingly male and
white, generally in their 30s and early 40s.
Distinctions fade from there. Those who jump include professionals
and the unemployed, people who are married, single, rich and poor.
In 1993, a 15-year-old boy and his 16-year-old girlfriend made a
suicide pact. They took a cab to the top of the bridge, used lipstick to
scrawl a message on the concrete and jumped.
Within the past year, a 22-year-old student from Sarasota jumped,
reportedly angry that his girlfriend had cheated on him.
The most recent victim, a 91-year-old Tampa man, was depressed
about his declining health. Those who jump
often leave hints of their troubles in the cars they leave parked —
antidepressants, phone numbers of mental health professionals, cell phones
with unread text messages from loved ones.
Once they leap, the next few seconds are sheer acceleration.
One … Two …
Three … Fo ...
Bodies are mangled. Clothes are often ripped off. Skulls are
smashed. Bones are crushed. Teeth shattered. The impact of hitting the
water at 75 mph causes organs to rip loose, butchered in the rib cage.
The impact after falling nearly 200 feet is like hitting concrete.
For some, though, hitting the water only begins the dying process.
They perish from drowning, according to medical examiner records.
Witnesses who have tried to resuscitate jumpers described
compressing a chest that gave way like a wet pillow.
Occasionally, someone survives. Dean Konstantinovic leaped in 1993, leaving him paralyzed from the waist
down. He died last year from pneumonia — 15 years after the jump.
The ripples from Picciuto's jump haven't stopped spreading.
Picciuto, 32, pulled his car into the hazard lane of the bridge
about lunchtime one day in September. Traffic whooshed by. A diary sat by his side.
He stepped from the car and went over the barrier.
He and his wife, Alyson, had been separated about two years.
His addiction to alcohol and drugs had wrung out the last of her
patience. They talked often, and he
remained a doting father to their two children.
"His pain is over, but our pain has just started," Alyson said.
"It's like breaking a glass, with a million pieces going
everywhere. You can never pick up all the pieces, all the shards."
Editor's note: The names of suicide victims included in this story
are used with the permission of their families. (comments follow article)
.
05.04.09: jumper,
2:08pm, female, hit water, lived,
found same day Kathy W., 41
thank you,
jumpnews
reporter:
05.04.09, zolter, largo, fl., (05.04.09, 2:08pm,
female, hit water, lived, body found), Appox 40 year old
black female jumped from bridge. Left car (neon) on bridge (southbound).
Coast guard recovered female and heading to O'Neils. Patient alive and
breathing with obvious leg fracture.
03.01.10, Family Friend,
Bradenton, FL., Kathy W[withheld] (Maiden
Name). Lives in Bradenton. 2 kids. History of depression. ,Alcohol user.
Several weeks at Bayfront then home healthcare from jump.,,Will try to get
current info on her status from family March 2010.
05.04.09,
tampabay.com, Woman survives plunge off Skyway Bridge ST. PETERSBURG --
A woman parked her car at the top of the Skyway Bridge this afternoon and
jumped off, falling 197 feet into the waters of Tampa Bay below, according
to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. "Everyone said she just walked over and
jumped," said Lt. Joel Granata. "There was no hesitation." The
unidentified 41-year-old Bradenton woman survived the plunge, authorities
say, but suffered life-threatening injuries. The incident took place
around 2:07 p.m., according to St. Petersburg Fire Rescue. The woman,
whose identity was not released, was driving in the southbound lane when
she stopped atop the bridge. The woman jumped while a U.S. Coast Guard
vessel and helicopter were training nearby, according to the agency.
Within minutes, the woman was taken out of the water by a nearby
watercraft and taken to a nearby 41-foot Coast Guard utility boat. The
HH-60 Coast Guard helicopter the boat was training with lowered its rescue
swimmer, a trained paramedic, to the deck to help treat the injured woman.
Then the Coast Guard vessel brought her to O'Neill's Marina at 6701 34th
St. S, where she was taken to Bayfront Medical Center. -- Jamal Thalji,
Times staff writer comments
follow article.
02.24.09: save, woman gets angry she isn't allowed to jump.
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
02.24.09, zolter,
Largo, FL., (02.24.09, 8:30pm, female, used
phones: no, didn't jump, taken away), Pinellas County Fire Rescue dispatched at 8:30pm. Initial
reports from cell caller of black vehicle at base of bridge and female walking
up the bridge. First responding unit confirmed presence of the vehicle. They
located female straddling the wall. She was restrained and prevented from
jumping at 8:39pm.
02.25.09, gkwckw, St Petersburg, (02.24.09, 8:20pm, female,
didn't jump, taken away), My g/f
and I were headed Southbound in our RV when we passed this female about 50ft
from her black Monte Carlo, just as the bridge starts to sweep upward to the
spans. Unfortunately, we had left our cell phones at home since this was going
to be a brief ride. Otherwise, we would have called it in. On the other side of
the spans after the bridge came off the incline, a FL Trooper was parked
assisting(or writing a ticket) so we stopped and notified him. Kudos to him-he
was on the radio and off to the scene within seconds. We passed 25 minutes later
going N bound and the "jumper" was restrained. What is strange, this f jumper
parked at the base of the span and was walking all that distance to the top.
Gave plenty of time for people to see her.
02.24.09,
tampabay.com,
Firefighters pull woman off edge of Skyway Bridge ST. PETERSBURG --
Firefighters stopped a suicide attempt on the Skyway Bridge tonight by pulling a
woman off the edge before she had the chance to jump off. But the woman was far
from grateful to her rescuers -- she put up a fight. "She was angry she didn't
get to jump," said St. Petersburg Fire Rescue Lt. Joel Granata. The call came
in at 8:30 p.m. Drivers headed southbound on the Skyway Bridge reported seeing a
woman park her car off to the side and then walk onto the span, climbing toward
the top. St. Petersburg Fire Rescue launched a boat and dispatched
firefighters to the bridge. Six minutes later, they found the unidentified woman
was already 2/3rds of the way up to the top. The woman was straddling the
retaining wall on the bridge's edge, one leg hanging over the water below.
"If she jumped," Granata said, "she would have died." Paramedics Deal Farrell
and Dave Kirby tried to talk the woman off the edge. Kirby was especially suited
for this mission. As a SWAT medic, it's his job to render aid to the police
department's SWAT team when it goes into action and is trained to try talk
people out of these situations. But the woman wouldn't listen to the
paramedics, Granata said, and instead just argued with them. But the
paramedics still managed to distract the woman long enough so they could grab
her right arm. "Another few minutes and she was going over," said Lt. Jake
Nyhart, who witnessed the rescue. Then the paramedics pulled her off the
edge. But the woman fought the paramedics, and they had to keep her restrained
on the ground until the Florida Highway Patrol arrived. The woman was taken
into protective custody and transported by ambulance to Suncoast Hospital for
psychiatric evaluation. - Jamal Thalji, Times staff writer
.
02.06.09: possible jumper,
1:00pm
thank you,
jumpnews
reporter:
02.06.09, Bob, Bradenton, FL., (02.06.09, 1:00pm), Abandoned van at the top of the bridge
01.14.09: jumper,
1:25pm, male, hit water, died, body found same day Gerald Eckstein, 91
thank you,
jumpnews
reporter:
01.14.09, zolter,
Largo, FL., (01.14.09, 1:25pm,
male, used phones: no, hit water, died, body found), FHP and Fire Rescue
dispatched at 1:26pm. "Older" male seen sitting on the wall. Male was
witnessed falling of the wall of the southbound lanes. Empty vehicle left
on bridge. Body recovered rapidly (approx 1:40pm) by Manatee County Fire
Rescue Marine Unit. Body brought to O'Neills Marina at 2:02pm. Confirmed
deceased.
Hillsborough County Sheriff:
Victim: Gerald Eckstein, 91, dob: 09-24-17, Deputies responded to the
Skyway Bridge this morning at approximately 2:20 p.m. in reference to a
possible suicide called in by the Florida Highway Patrol. A body was
recovered and turned over to the Medical Examiners Office. The victim’s
vehicle was discovered parked on top of the Skyway Bridge.
.
01.08.09: save
thank you, jumpnews
reporters:
01.08.09, Zolter, largo, fl., (01.08.09, 5:54pm, male, used phones:
no, was stopped from jumping, taken away), White male blue jacket on top of
bridge. Subject arrested by law enforcement at 6:04pm.
01.08.09, Susan, Palmetto, (01.08.09, 5:45pm, male, was stopped from jumping,
taken away), I was driving Southbound on the bridge tonight
around 5:45. A young man was standing on the wall near the top of the bridge. I
knew something was wrong. I pulled over and called 911. As I was getting 911 on
the phone, another woman pulled over with me. As we started to get closer to the
young man, he started to sit down. Once he got in a sitting postion, he started
leaning forward. Traffic was stopping at that point. I looked at people around
and just ask for help. Three or four guys got out of their vehicles. Someone
grabbed hold of the back of his jacket and pulled him down. It was wonderful to
see him safe. There was a crowd of about six or seven people around him by then.
He was angry, stating that people (society) was stepping on him. He said they
were going to put him away for 36 hours. He was saying that they were going to
take his truck. Traffic was backed up at that point so it took a while for the
policeman to arrive. I left at this point as he was safe and going to be taken
care of. The strange thing is is that my boss committed suicide off that
bridge the week before Christmas. Not sure why God put me in this position. I
have never seen anyone die before and glad that I was there to stop this guy. I
hope that he gets the help that he needs and will never try this again.
(also thanks to Karen in Parrish. any more info is welcome.)
watch 'the
bridge', a documentary movie about 'golden
gate' bridge jumpers, now on this site.
watch the
preview
