THP: Multiple agencies work to save woman who was ‘considering jumping’ from bridge

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — The Tennessee Highway Patrol (THP) and several other local and state agencies worked together on Friday to rescue a woman who was “considering jumping” from a bridge overlooking the Holston River.

The bridge is on I-81 South at mile marker 60. According to the THP, the call about the 38-year-old woman came in at 11:06 a.m.

The department said in a social media post that the woman is alive due to the collective efforts of those who came together and worked as a team. Below is the complete statement from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, along with a video from the officers’ body cameras.

The response included seven Tennessee Highway Patrol units, two Sullivan County units, Kingsport Police Department, Sullivan County EMS, two TDOT units, and coordinated efforts from both Tennessee State Parks and TWRA, including a TWRA agent positioned in a boat on the river below. Different agencies, one mission. Save a life. And they did.

This time of year can be especially hard. Many people are carrying things no one else can see. Stress, grief, loneliness, and fear can pile up fast. That does not mean someone is weak. It means they are human.

If you are struggling, please hear this. You matter, and help is available.

If you need help right now:

Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day

Chat at 988lifeline.org

If you are in immediate danger, call 911

If you know someone who might be hurting, check on them. A call, a text, or simply asking how they are doing can make more difference than you realize.

Today ended with a life saved. That matters.

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a prevention network of 161 crisis centers that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.