Sheriff's deputy saves suicidal woman after jump over Hoan Bridge

MILWAUKEE (WITI) – A Milwaukee County Sheriff's deputy was able to save a suicidal woman, after she jumped off the Hoan Bridge on Monday, April 1st.

Milwaukee County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a dispatch broadcast of a pedestrian on the Hoan Bridge near a vehicle with its hazard lights on at 10:52 p.m. Monday.  The individual then climbed the railing of the bridge and jumped off the northbound side into the water below at 10:56 p.m.

The first deputies on the scene heard yelling, but could not see anyone in the water below. A deputy, who has experience in rappelling and was in the Coast Guard, tied a rope to a bridge beam and around his torso, climbed over the railing and looked over the edge where he could see a person clinging to the side of the channel.  He reassured her that help was on the way, and deputies directed emergency personnel to her location.

Milwaukee Fire officials responded in a rescue boat and pulled the subject from the water at 11:16 p.m.  She was conscious and breathing, and complained of neck and back pain.  MFD transported her to Froedtert Hospital.

A suicide note was found at the scene.  The 27-year-old woman was intoxicated, and will be charged with DUI-2nd.  She remains hospitalized for further evaluation of her injuries.