By WPRO News
State Police said on Monday, their officers responded to two early morning incidents of people trying to take their own lives by jumping off highway overpasses.
During the first, Troopers spotted a man on the Eddy Street overpass to Interstate 95. He had climbed over the security fencing and was threatening to jump into the northbound lanes of the highway.
The low-speed travel lanes were closed while a Trooper spent about half an hour speaking with the man before coaxing him off the bridge and convincing him to seek help. The man, a 21-year-old Providence resident, was taken to the hospital.
Troopers received a separate report that a man was hanging over the side of the New London Turnpike overpass in West Greenwich, where it seemed he was preparing to jump into the traffic below. Troopers quickly responded and were able to talk the man, identified as a 26-year-old Exeter resident, into seeking help instead. He was later taken to the hospital
Samaritans of RI Director Denise Panichas praised the Troopers’ work and said the best way to help a potential jumper is to call 9-11.
“From the State Police to local police, they are trained crisis negotiators. They also know if things are dangerous, you know, do people have weapons. You can’t help anybody if you’re not safe,” she said.
Resources for those struggling are available through the Samaritans online or at 401-272-4044 or 800-365-4044, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).
