The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a suicide that occurred on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which spans Lower Tampa Bay to connect St. Petersburg to Terra Ceia in Central Florida.
At the end of November, deputies were called to the bridge for reports of a suspicious man. Once on scene, witnesses told deputies they saw a man jump from the bridge.
Immediately, marine units with HCSO and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office responded, working to locate the man. Unfortunately, Manatee County’s crew did quickly locate a deceased male matching the description of the man seen jumping from the bridge.
The Tampa Bay Times reported it was the first suicide since April 2022, but averaged about one per month before fencing was installed in 2021.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office will conduct the death investigation per protocol based on the jurisdiction of the incident.
“This time of year can be difficult for so many. Please check on your friends and family during the holidays,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “If you or anyone you love is in need of support, I urge you to use the amazing resources in Tampa Bay. The Crisis Center is only a call away 24 hours a day at 211. Let’s support each other so that no family is left with one less person at their holiday table.”
RELATED: A man jumped off the Howard Frankland Bridge in Central Florida causing delays and a water rescue search.
211 is a vital service leveraged by millions of people across North America. Every day, clients contact 211 to access free and confidential crisis and emergency counseling, disaster assistance, food, health care and insurance assistance, stable housing and utilities payment assistance, employment services, veterans services and childcare and family services. No matter the situation, the specialists at 211 listen, identify underlying problems, and connect people in need with resources and services in their community that improve their lives.
It’s very sad to know,that someone would go ahead and take there life ,regardless of all the life saving resources out there & available, I’ve personally had friends who decided to take this fatal step.its awful to have to learn that .?,very difficult for me to have to except
They say call 211 when you do they might give you some phone numbers. But when you call it’s always the same b. s. They aren’t currently taking applications or you get put on a waiting list. It’s always something.. then you have to jump through hoops if they are able to help in some way.