A unidentified woman suffered multiple injuries but survived after she reportedly jumped from the Ledbetter Bridge this morning.
About 8:40 a.m. Thursday, first responders were dispatched to the bridge after Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) bridge inspection crews reported that a driver had pulled into a restricted one-lane work area behind road cones and then exited the car, ran to the railing and jumped from the bridge into Tennessee River.
A McCracken County Sheriff’s Department release said a department detective was crossing the bridge at the time of the 911 call and observed a vehicle pulled off to the side of the bridge unoccupied. According to West Kentucky Star, the detective spotted the woman struggling in the water and gave on scene reports to Sheriff Jon Hayden and another deputy as they launched a boat to respond to the scene.
According to the news release, the woman managed to stay above water and made it to the Livingston County side of the riverbank. Two of the KYTC bridge inspection workers made it to her side and remained with her until the Sheriff’s Department boat arrived about 9:08 a.m. on scene. Livingston County responders arrived to render aid and took the victim to Lourdes Hospital in Paducah for treatment of injuries, which included several fractures. She remained hospitalized as of Thursday afternoon.
“This incident is believed to have been a suicide attempt,” Hayden said in the news release. “But thankfully she survived and will receive the help she needs.”
The Massac County Emergency Management and Metropolis Police Chief Harry Massey were at the riverfront on unrelated business and offered assistance in the sheriff’s boat. Livingston County Fire, EMS and sheriff’s units also assisted on scene.