A trend of tragedy continued Wednesday, Aug. 27 when a man died after jumping from the Walkway Over the Hudson that connects Highland to Poughkeepsie. The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m., with the individual reportedly leaping from near the Walkway elevator and landing on the Central Hudson property, a restricted and contaminated site located between Upper Landing Park and the One Dutchess apartment complex.
This was the third incident of a person jumping off a Hudson Valley bridge since Aug. 19. Two people separately leapt from the Kingston-Rhinecliff bridge within the span of three days.
Emergency responders from the City of Poughkeepsie, including police, fire, and EMS, were dispatched to multiple locations along the waterfront following the report. Initial efforts to locate the individual were unsuccessful, prompting a coordinated search. While some officers reviewed surveillance footage, others conducted a physical search of the shoreline, and the fire department’s marine unit investigated the nearby section of the Hudson River.
Footage from surveillance cameras eventually helped identify the man’s landing site. Due to a locked gate blocking access to the property, responders used bolt cutters to enter the area rather than wait for Central Hudson personnel to arrive with keys.
EMS reached the scene and confirmed the man’s death at approximately 8 p.m.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available. In Ulster County, the 24/7 Mobile Mental Health Team can be reached at (844) 277-4820. You can also dial or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or reach out to Family of Woodstock’s hotline at (845) 338-2370 for immediate local support.
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