News

Troopers prevent possible Valentines Day suicide

By Bill Moss, Published: February 15, 2017

The actions of State Highway Patrol troopers saved the life of a distraught young woman who appeared ready to jump off a U.S. 25 bridge onto I-26 on Valentines Day.

Trooper Christopher Jeffries was on routine patrol when he was approached by motorists who said they had observed a young female, possibly in her 20s, standing on the overpass of U.S. 25 at Naples. Trooper Jeffries raced to the scene where he found the woman, obviously distraught, standing on the southbound side of the U.S. 25 overpass.

After contacting Highway Patrol dispatch to request assistance from other troopers, Jefferies approached the female. Seeing the female was upset and sobbing, Jefferies engaged in conversation with her, attempting to calm her down. At one point during the conversation, the female sat down on the edge of the bridge while conversing with Jeffries. While attempting to develop a sense of security for the female, Jeffries stooped to both knees while continuing to talk to her.

Putting his own life at risk, Jeffries seized an opportunity to grab the female’s arm to keep her from falling. Trooper Mark Corbin, who had responded to the call and arrived on scene, helped pull the woman to safety. Troopers Haley Onderdonk and Kyle Smith stopped the westbound traffic on I-26 during the incident. The female was placed into the custody of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office where she was provided further assistance.

“The selfless acts of heroism demonstrated by these troopers make me proud to be a member of this fine organization”, said Col. Glenn McNeill, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Each day, officers across our country voluntarily place themselves in danger to save the life of another.”