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2010 jump events

updated: 05.27.22
have any factual news, updates, or additions?
(our comments follow)
.
12.02.10: possible jumper, male
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
12.02.10, Melissa D., St. Pete, FL., (12.02.10, 12:20pm, male), I was driving northbound and a man was stopped by a trooper on the peak of the bridge. He was driving a dark color SUV. The trooper must have just gotten there as he wasn't even yet out of his car. Male was standing alongside the roadway facing traffic with his hands in his pockets, and as we all slowed down to see what was happening, he took that "opportunity" to run across the two lanes and jump over (in the gap btwn the north and south bound lanes). He was white, looked to be early 30's, brown hair, jeans and a blue sweater. I did not stop, so I am not sure if he survived. (that had to be surreal. thank you for your story.)

any more info is welcome.
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11.18.10: save, male
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
11.18.10, Melissa, Apollo Beach, (11.18.10, 5:42am, male, didn't jump, taken away), This morning I was driving across the skyway. There was a silver smaller car. The suicide attempter was a young male with a small silver car. There were several rescue vehicles. The man was leaning on the concrete side wall. He looked as if they had saved him. Thank God!

11.18.10, zolter, At 4:46AM on November 18, 2010, Pinellas County Fire Rescue, FHP and USCG was dispatched to a possible jumper on top of the Skyway. A vehicle and male individual were spotted on top of the bridge (northbound) and a concerned motorist called 911. FHP was first to arrive and began a dialogue with the male. A rescue boat was launched in the event the individual jumped. At 6:00am the individual was taken into custody and transported to St. Anthony's Hospital for evaluation.

any more info is welcome.
flhsmv.gov, Trooper of the Month November 2010,
on November 18, while working the Skyway Suicide Deterrent Detail Trooper Middleton successfully talked a suicidal subject off the Skyway Bridge. Trooper Middleton’s arrived at the bridge and observed a male subject sitting on the concrete barrier. Trooper Middleton approached the subject who revealed he was upset due to the possibility of being deported from the country.
As the conversation continued the male subject appeared to become more aggressive with the positioning of his body, stated that he had nothing to live for and placed both legs on the water side of the barrier. After 45 minutes Trooper Middleton was finally able to subdue the subject and he was transported to St. Anthony’s hospital for treatment. Without Trooper Middleton’s quick response and decisive action there could have been grave consequences to this incident.
open request to this person: care to tell your story?
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09.20.10: possible save, 09:36am
unknown
09.20.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, MENTALLY ILL PERSON/VIOLENT, 3839, SKYWAY BG, 0936 1008

any more info is welcome.
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09.14.10: save, male
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
09.14.10, zolter, (09.14.10, male, 6:45pm), Shortly after 6:45 pm several 911 call were made from passing motorists. They called in regards to an African American male in the Northbound lanes at the top of the bridge. He is outside of a dark colored Explorer. Units arrived on the scene and are negotiating with the individual. Marine units are getting in place in the event he jumper. Will update when available. later: All units available. Unknown what happened but nobody jumped.

any more info is welcome.
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09.13.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
09.14.10, Anon, Tampa, FL., (09.13.10, 10:45am), Red Ford pickup truck being towed away from lower span of northbound lanes approaching the peak. Anyone have news?

any more info is welcome.
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09.11.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
09.11.10, zolter, Multiple Pinellas County Fire Rescue units and FHP responded to a 911 call early Saturday morning. Units responded about 1:10am after a caller reported a white male in all black clothing near the top of the southbound lanes of the Skyway Bridge. The caller was concerned that the individual may have intended to jump from the bridge. Neither PCFR or FHP were able to find anything out of the ordinary north or southbound. They did find construction crews working in the Southbound lanes. At about 1:27am all units were cancelled and the returned to their stations. The call was determined to be a "Good Intent" call. (we always want to stop at the top, just to peek straight down over the side. doing so would no doubt raise alarm with several departments and swift arrival of the cavalry. one of these days, we might be our own 'possible jumper' report, although many wish we would jump.)

any more info is welcome.
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08.25.10: jumper, 2:25p, male, hit rocks, died, body found same day
John McCorkle, 73
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
08.25.10, zolter, largo, Male on peak Northbound lane. Sounds like a witnessed jumper. Fire dept on the way along with USCG and ECSR. later: White male with blue shirt. FHP reporting hit the rocks. Fire Dept still responding. later: Patient is stuck in rocks. Due to position and condition of body they are requesting help from USCG dive team or Hills Co Dive team and more equipment for body recovery. later: Being described as an extended operation. Hillsborough County still be taking the lead in the recovery and they are enroute later: Body was recovered about 4:30pm and taken by boat to Marina (O'Neills).

08.25.10, Susan G-H., facebook, There was a jumper today, little after 2:30 pm.

08.25.10, ESP, St Pete, (08.25.10, 3:00pm, hit rocks), Police scanner indicates jumper wedged into rocks at base of bridge. Having difficulty recovering body.

08.25.10, Kevin T., facebook, Just said on 102.5 police activity at mid-span....

08.25.10, frank w., PinCo., (08.25.10, 2:25pm, male, hit rocks, died, body found)

08.25.10, Bill E., Riverview Fl., (08.25.10, 4:00pm), I was driving southbound, and noticed 4 emergency vehicles at the base of the bridge at the fishing ramp. A little past the hump southbound were 2 more in the leftmost southbound lane. Approx 8 emergency vehicles on the northbound side. Traffic was backed up northbound to the toll plaza. This was @4:22 PM. Event probably happened around 4:00 based on traffic tie up. (so there are about 10 vehicles on the bridge? gee, wonder why the traffic is backed up. if there is a single abandoned car on the bridge, do they really need a full brigade responding to it? here's an idea: just two troopers and a tow truck on the bridge. all the action is under the bridge, not on it.)

08.25.10, j., st pete beach, fl., (08.25.10, 4pm), Major traffic jam on the bridge heading north toward St Pete.....police boats, sheriffs cars, fire dept, crime scene van & everyone looking over the side....parked gold lexus suv at top. Not sure if anyone jumped? but it sure didn't look good? If the poor soul jumped, I hope they are ok. It bummed me out, any updates would be appreciated.

08.25.10, Jeff g., tampa, fl., (08.25.10, 3pm, male, died, body found), Noticed multiple emrgency vehicles from bottom of north lanes, took about 15 min to reach center span. A newer Lexus RX 330, grayish in color, with doors closed was in the emergency lane to the right, about 25 yards south of peak center of bridge. Crime scene vehicles and police cruisers were in north and south bound lanes. I joke with friends about jumping off The Skyway, when things get bad, doesnt seem so funny when it happens when your there., Im sorry for this souls family for thier lose.

any more info is welcome.
08.25.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1430, 2044 6h14m
08.25.10, tampabay.com, Northbound Skyway traffic slowed after man jumps to death from bridge
Times staff, Aug 25, 2010 04:19 PM
Traffic on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge has slowed as authorities investigate a suicide.
Authorities got a call at about 2:26 p.m. Wednesday about a man who had jumped from the bridge.
The man had driven north to the top of the bridge and parked his car, officials said.
"He looked over the side of the bridge and jumped," said Lt. Joel Granata, spokesman for St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue.
The man landed on rocks instead of the water and died, Granata said.
St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue's marine and extrication teams are expected to be on the scene for at least two hours.
The Florida Highway Patrol is assisting with traffic control. Northbound traffic has been slowed considerably, officials said.

tbo.com, Witnesses saw him pull his vehicle over to the right shoulder of the center span and jump over the side. Body was found on rocks.

08.26.10, Mark from Tampa, From the top of the bridge at 5PM yesterday.

08.31.10., anon, please please remove the photo posted on this date from the jump. it is very disturbing, as the jumper was my uncle and it is his car. the fact that i cant tell the intentions of a website like this is really disturbing. please just remove it before anyone else in my family sees. he wouldnt want any sort of attention like this and would have probably sued the shit out of anyone who got too involved. (we are sorry your uncle did this to you and your family. we find it somewhat incredulous that you think "he wouldnt want any sort of attention like this and would have probably sued the shit out of anyone who got too involved". seriously? his very public suicide gave ample opportunity for many dozens of witnesses to see and photograph his self-orchestrated and extremely attention grabbing act and aftermath. the idea of him suing anyone responding to it is nonsense. we recommend you tell your family to stay away from this site and avoid seeing his car that he parked on the bridge and then deliberately jumped off of, causing untold horror to those witnesses and your family. lastly, anyone desiring to keep their suicide story and associated imagery off this site, should find a more private method of suicide or get help.)
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08.22.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
08.26.10, anon, sarasota, fl., (08.22.10, 6:45pm, male), Late Sunday evening approaching the top of the bridge traveling southbound, saw a silverish Chevy Avalanche truck parked on the left inside lane with hazards flashing. Looked like an asian middle-aged man dressed in black pants and a black long sleeved shirt sitting on the inside ledge. I hope it was just someone with car problems but it appeared odd to be sitting on the ledge in the rain.

any more info is welcome.
08.22.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1419, 1429  0h10m
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08.21.10: possible jumper
08.21.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY  BG, 1212, 1219 0h07m

any more info is welcome.
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08.18.10: save or vehicle issue, 8:15am
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
08.18.10, anon, Tampa, FL., (08.18.10, 8:15am, didn't jump, taken away), Heard it on the radio this morning - 98 Rock (97.1) to be exact!

08.18.10, zolter, largo, fl., (08.18.10, 8:15am), Male lost some material from his vehicle Northbound. Vehicle was stopped and he was walking back to retrieve the lost material. Fire Department assisted with retrieval. This was at 8:15am not aware of any other incident as "reported" on the radio. (no doubt many reported and possible 'jumps' are vehicle issues. people are so aware of jumpers on the bridge, that any stopped car just has to be one.)

any more info is welcome.
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08.12.10: save, 9:40pm
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
08.12.10, zolter, largo, fl., (08.12.10, 9:40pm, didn't jump, taken away), sports car on top of bridge southbound, FHP secured the individual to prevent the jump. Vehicle turned over to female passenger who is attempting to also prevent the jump. All ended well.

any more info is welcome.
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07.25.10: possible jumper
07.25.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG 2349 0009 0h20m

any more info is welcome.
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07.15.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
07.15.10, Scott the computer guy, St. Petersburg, FL., (07.15.10, 3:30pm), While driving by there was an empty car on the northbound lane today with about six cops looking in the car and over the ledge. There was an EMS vehicle as well so they may have stopped the jumper but it looked like they may have jumped given the looks over the bridge side. No time for pictures.

any more info is welcome.
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07.10.10: save, 2:15am, female
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
07.10.10, Simone, clearwater, florida, (07.10.10, 2:15am, female), My husband called me to let me know he saw someone sitting on the ledge early this morning. He first called 911 to report it. I cannot find any information on the news sites. 911 said they had another call regarding the same female would be jumper. No information on news websites. Whats up?

07.13.10, Tiffani, Bradenton, FL., (07.10.10, 2:15am, female, used phones, didn't jump, taken away), My brother in law works on the Skyway fishing pier. The cops were looking for this lady's boyfriend. He left her at the top of the Skyway when the first police car showed up. They had road blocks up to try and find him. From what the officer told my brother in law, the boyfriend was having a fight with his girlfriend, and was NOT trying to stop her from jumping. Thankfully the officer did show up in time to stop her. Not sure if they found the boyfriend or not.

any more info is welcome.
open request to this person: care to tell your story?
.
07.01.10: possible jumper, more likely a possible save.
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
07.01.10, anon, (07.01.10, 7:30pm), Abandoned vehicle with two LEOs at top of bridge, southbound lane.

07.03.10, Dan A., St.Pete, (07.01.10, 8:00pm), Saw a car being loaded onto a flatbed from the very top of the bridge. State trooper lit up behind it, southbound lane. I was traveling in the north lane after I crossed the hump bridge got behind ambulance with no emergency lights on. It got off at the exit for hospital. Possible jumper inside?

any more info is welcome.
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06.18.10: possible jumper
06.18.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2235 0605 7h30m

7½ hours? wtf? any more info is welcome.
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06.13.10: article.
Filmmaker haunted by Skyway bridge suicide hopes documentary will deter others.
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06.10.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
06.22.10, David, Bradenton, FL., (06.10.10, 9 or 10am), I saw 5 or 6 police looking over the edge facing away from tampa (southbound) and the police had blocked both lanes from crossing the bridge about 150 ft from the top of the bridge. I can't imagine that they block both lanes and have 4 or 5 police looking over the edge of the bridge unless it was a jumper.
06.10.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT  SKYWAY BG 1445 1458  0h13m

any more info is welcome.
..
05.26.10: possible jumper
05.26.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT SKYWAY BG 1405 1805 4h00m

another 4 hour 'call for service'. this could be a result of the 05.24.10 jumper's body being discovered. any more info is welcome.
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05.24.10: jumper, 3:00p, male, no hotline phones, hit water, body found 2 days later
Anthony Daniel Walter, 27
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
05.24.10, anon, (05.24.10, 3:00pm, male, body not found yet)

05.24.10, Zolter, Largo, (05.24.10, male, no hotline phones, hit water, body not found yet), North bound lanes. 911 caller reported seeing male jump off the bridge. Small green car parked just south of the hump. Authorities searching for subject. After 30 minutes nothing located. Search continues.

05.24.10, Alan B., facebook, Police activity on the nb side at the hump

05.24.10, anon, Palmetto, Fl., (05.24.10, 4:00pm, no hotline phones, hit water, died, body not found yet), Jumper parked his black 2 door sedan at the crest. Apparently witnesses saw him jump. When I arrived, several police and FHP cars were on the North bound crest looking over the edge. On the southbound crest a fire rescue truck and ambulance were both there and they were looking over the edge as well. The Fire Rescue boat was launched as well as the coast guard. Not sure if the body was recovered or not?

05.25.10, anon, tuesday one jumped small black car

05.26.10, GP, St Pete, 5/26 - 1330 fishing vessel hailed "Mayday" that he was reporting a dead body under the Skyway Bridge. Not sure if it was a jumper today or one that was missing recently. Heard this over the VHF radio

05.26.10, zolter, 1:36 pm. Pinellas county fire rescue responding to report of a body floating in the water near the Skyway. Coast Guard and Manatee responding Marine Units as well. Initial reports coming in from Manatee Fire are that they have recoved a body. Jumper from the 24th?

any more info is welcome.
05.26.10, tbo.com, Body recovered near Sunshine Skyway Bridge
By JOSÉ PATIÑO GIRONA | The Tampa Tribune
TAMPA - The Manatee County Sheriff's Office recovered a body this afternoon in Tampa Bay adjacent to the center span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Manatee County sheriff's deputies delivered the body of a man to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, the agency that has jurisdiction where the body was recovered.
Debbie Carter, a Hillsborough sheriff's spokeswoman, said that a man possibly jumped off the Skyway on Monday, but his body was not recovered. Officials won't know if this was the same man until after an autopsy is completed. (continued thanks to zolter.)

05.27.10, tampabay.com, Body from apparent Sunshine Skyway suicide found
By Dong-Phuong Nguyen, Times Staff Writer,
A fisherman recovered the body of a man near Manatee County on Wednesday afternoon, two days after he apparently jumped to his death from the Sunshine Skyway bridge, authorities said.
Hillsborough County sheriff's officials identified the man who died as 27-year-old Anthony Walter of Thonotosassa.
Authorities found a 1995 Acura abandoned on the bridge Monday, said sheriff's spokeswoman Debbie Carter, leading officials to assume someone had jumped. Walter is listed as the owner of the Acura, Carter said.
05.24.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1511, 1907, 3h56m
 Anthony Walter myspace picture Anthony Walter's myspace page:
27 years old, BRANDON, Florida,
Last Login: 12/2/2008, Mood: angry
status: tony imprisoned, f**k the police
About me: im just your average white guy dealing with the Man night and day
Who I'd like to meet: officer smith so i can break his f**kin nose
(this was mr. walter's public myspace profile info at the time of his jump. he posted his latest mugshot as his profile picture. very classy. he posted a timeline of mugshots that have since been removed from myspace, but can be seen here.)
 02.04.04  06.21.04  08.11.06
 03.22.07  04.19.07  07.01.08
findagrave.com

florida mugshots

mydeathspace.com
05.27.10, S.F., The body recovered yesterday was that of the jumper on the 24th. He was 27 years old and suffering for mental illness. Was Baker Acted 3 times over the last couple months. Was on and off anti pyschotic drugs. Smoked A LOT of pot with his mental illness that resulted in psychosis. His name was Anthony Walter. He left his family in much more pain that he thought he was going through. Thank you for this site. When we heard where his car was found, The COPS did NOTHING to confirm where his car was found. One COP slipped and I was able to use this site for info until we were officially notified. (we are sorry for your loss and thank you for your input. yours is not the first complaint that officials sometimes do little to explain the situation to those that need it. it is sad that a site like this can be the only source of information to the family and friends of those that choose to end their lives off the skyway.) later the same day:
05.27.10, S.F., He graduated from Bloomingdale HS in 2000. He lived in Valrico till he went out on his own and lived in Brandon and Thononotasassa. He was not allowed to walk with his class due to some "pranks" gone wild kind of stunts yet had a 4.4 GPA. Was an avid user of pot with schizophrenia and bi polar mixed together and refused to take his meds. Each time they would stablized him when he was Baker Acted and within a week or so they would let him out against family wishes. (these "facts" about mr. walter may or may not be accurate. we do know that the use of head meds do not help everyone and they have been documented to cause anger and rage, as well as suicidal thoughts and tendencies, both while taking them and after discontinuation. we imagine smoking pot while taking 'meds' doesn't help either.)

05.27.10, anon, Dover, Florida, It would be appreciated if people could stop posting personal information about this incident out of respect for the family. I do agree, I went on this site multiple times trying to find the most up to date information because it was about all that I had to go on while they were still trying to find him and I am grateful for what info i was able to obtain. Now that they have, please let it go, I beg you. This man was loved very much and is being mourned by those who knew him. If you want to put up news stories and articles, that's fine. Please just keep the personal information as such...especially if you don't know all of the fact. more:
05.27.10, anon, Dover, Florida, Please take a moment to remember and respect Tony as well as his family as they deal with grief. He was loved by many and is being mourned by many. If you don't know the facts, please don't post them. if you're not a doctor, please don't think you have the right or knowledge to post confidential medical information. He was suffering and I can only pray that he is now at peace. (we are sorry for your loss. facts are available for the public in public forums, simple online searches, and from those willing to tell a story. we imagine many people are well aware of these "confidential" medical facts to the point they are not so confidential at all. the information posted here paints a picture of mr. walter's life and perhaps helps explain the reasoning behind the actions leading up to his final day.)

05.27.10, DW, As Anthony's father I feel compelled to clarify a few things. Number one, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office did a great job in keeping me and his mother informed. It was Anthony's car, but he could not be positively identified as the driver in the toll booth photo. What if he loaned it to someone he was living with, and it wasn't him driving, or him who jumped? Two, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office went above and beyond in looking for my son. It was a fluke that a Manatee County boat happened to be the closest one when he was found. At least half of the jumpers are never found, finding him was a tremendous relief for the family. A Hillsborough deputy who personally knew him took the unpleasant time to positively identify him for our sake. I would also like to point out that it is also known that many psychotic disorders are made worse by THC and marijuana use. Like so many with his condition, Anthony could not or would not understand or accept that. He was fine when he was taking his prescribed meds, well enough to talk his way out of the Mental Health Center. But he was someone else when he was off of them and smoking pot, despite his belief that pot was "harmless". It is often just the opposite. Anthony was in turmoil, and despite the efforts of his family and others to help him, he made the decision to end it. Rest in peace, son. We will always love you. (we are truly sorry for your loss and the torment your son went through, as well as the torment it placed on your family.)

05.29.10, Largo Lady, As is the norm, Jumper Pool is on the facts regarding jumpers. DUH The family of Mr. Walters was most dignant to clear up the fog... HCSD did their job...... so did Jumper Pool. The man's past criminal history only makes his jump "less news". Every jumper is a human being (except for that selfish POS that forced his dog to jump too... thank God the dog lived). Let us not forget... humans are the most fragile of all living species. Roaches, dogs, cats, birds, snakes........ don't kill themselves over ANYTHING emotionally or financially motivated. Honestly, now that I look at what I wrote........... NO they don't commmit suicide. Go figure? (if we garner anything from running this site, it's the fact people do take themselves out for mostly the wrong reasons. the advent and continued use of the myriad of prescription head meds has, in our opinion, created a population that can no longer depend on their own resources to work through the problems we face as humans. too often, people run to big pharma to "cure" every damn thing we think we have, as well as the ills we are constantly told we have, instead of over coming our problems on our own and becoming stronger by doing so. the self-medication with drugs that many indulge in, does not help one's mindset, especially when the mind is damaged, whether naturally or by previous drug use, legal or otherwise. by all indications, when john radd jumped on 05.06.98, he did not force his dog to jump. his faithful companion simply followed his master over the edge. while it could be argued why he took his dog to the bridge in the first place, we like to think he would not murder his pet in such a manner, simply because he wanted to end his own life.)

05.31.10, Ed, St.Pete., Anthony Walter sounds like a sad person. But the family needs to lay off picking on this site. From what I see he was an angry/nutty guy with two myspace friends that look like fools. I hope he is at peace now. Sorry. (we understand anyone's negative take on this site and thought the family's reaction was more helpful than most. mr. walter really had only one myspace 'friend', as that 'tom' guy is everyone's default myspace friend. tom is usually unfriended immediately by many myspace patrons. his other friend is 'will'. will likes "mac trucks, weightliftin, partiez" and aspires to meet the jesus. will looks like a guy familiar with law enforcement and has a similar series of mugshot-like images he happily shares with his myspace 'friends', our favorite being 'Sucka For Love'. she is bootylicious.)
05.28.10, anon, We were towards the south side & headed back towards ft desoto boat ramp and I noticed vehicles at the top as well as search/rescue boat below. very useful website. Props! (thanks for the pictures and the kind words. we always appreciate any images sent to us. click each image to see a larger version.)


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05.21.10: save, male
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
05.21.10, Nikki S., facebook, fishing @ ft. desoto and there is police activity @ the center span of the Skyway now...
 
any more info is welcome.
05.21.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2015, 2029 0h14m
05.21.10, tampabay.com, FHP sergeant saves man from jumping off Skyway
By Kameel Stanley, Times Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — A sergeant with the Florida Highway Patrol stopped a 48-year-old Bradenton man from jumping off the Sunshine Skyway bridge on Friday night, authorities said.
Sgt. Raymond Ada was dispatched to the bridge at about 8:15 p.m. Friday to investigate a possible suicide attempt, an FHP spokesman said.
Ada found the man standing on top of the bridge's barrier wall. When the man spotted Ada, he jumped down and got into a Nissan pickup.
Ada ran up to the vehicle as the man started the truck's engine, then jumped into the bed of the pickup when the man began to drive away.
The man stopped abruptly and tried to dive out of the passenger door and make another run at the bridge. Ada was able to restrain the man and take his keys.
The man was taken into custody under the Baker Act and transported to Personal Enrichment Through Mental Health Services Inc., officials said. (while we applaud trooper ada's willingness to put his life on the line to stop this man, we wonder if hopping into the bed of the pick-up was the wisest choice. we are glad this didn't end badly for either of these men. comments follow article. thanks to Lori B. McK. on facebook.)
05.22.10, Sandee M., facebook, Talk about going above and beyond the call of duty...glad this one turned out the way it did but, yeah, definitely very risky.
.
05.16.10: jumper, 8:10am, male, no hotline phones, hit water, died, body found same day
Robert Amos Guest, 80
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
05.16.10, Cathy A., St. Petersburg, (05.16.10, 8:15am), My husband was driving to work this morning following FHP and the Fire Department South Bound to the top of the bridge. When he arrived at the top he observed a Black full-sized Ford possibly an F-150. Behind that was a BMW convertible with the top down and a White Mercury parked behind that. There was a White Male and a Black Male talking with FHP.

05.16.10, zolter, largo, fl., 05.16.10, 8:10am, male, used phones: no, hit water, died, body found same day), Male jumped from southbound lanes of Skyway. Vehicle left on bridge. Initial call reported patient floating face down in the water. Subject was taken aboard a recreational vehicle. Pinellas county Marine unit transferred to their vessel and reported "obvious" death. Enroute to shore.

05.16.10, Frank, Ruskin, FL., (05.16.10, 8:00am, male, used phones: no, hit water, died, body found same day), one went off this morning, fisherman found em

any more info is welcome.
05.16.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY  BG, 0815, 1652 8h37m
05.16.10, tampabay.com, Elderly St. Petersburg man jumps to death off Sunshine Skyway, Times staff
ST. PETERSBURG — An elderly man who authorities say had been despondent since the death of his wife about a year ago jumped to his death from the Sunshine Skyway bridge Sunday morning.
Robert Amos Guest, 80, of [address withheld], St. Petersburg, was seen by a witness pulling over in his car at the center span of the bridge shortly after 8 a.m., getting out then jumping over the railing, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. His body was recovered by a boater in the area.
Guest is at least the second person to have died this year by leaping from the bridge. In the past 10 years, at least 83 people have ended their lives there. (comments follow article. thanks to zolter in largo and KC in Dayton OH)
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04.13.10: possible jumper, male
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
04.14.10, anon, (04.13.10, 2:30pm, male), Possible jumper, male in 40's erly 50s, baseball hat, car stopped southbound lane at the top, got out of the car and walked to the edge and looked down, not sure if he jumped.

any more info is welcome.
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04.10.10: save, male
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
04.10.10, anon, (04.10.10, 4:00pm), I passed a blue envoy with shoes on the hood, nobody in or around it, and a cop car behind it. Pretty sure it was a jumper

04.10.10, Cody, St Pete Beach, FL., Saw a maroon SUV parked on the northbound side (Heading to St. Pete) with a man being loaded into a FHP car at the very top. I guess they saved him. The trooper putting him in the back of the COP car looked very happy. (Probably because he made a save.)

04.10.10, Sean, Palmetto, Fl., (04.10.10, 4:00pm), Blue Chevy envoy. Was at the top of the crest un-occupied. Tennis shoes on the hood. FHP was there. several boats were below and no body was visible in the water or on the pylons. Station 11 never received a call for a recovery and even if they did, they were on a large structure fire so they would not have been able to launch the boat due to man power. Not sure if this was a jumper but it had all of the right signs? several minutes later: This was a broken down vehicle at the top of the bridge. Apparently, they left and returned later to fix the car and drive away. (we doubt any vehicle would be allowed to linger on the bridge awaiting repair. no doubt breakdowns get immediate removal by tow truck.)

04.12.10, anon, (04.10.10, 3-4pm, male), Driving Southbound could see on northbound lane there was a black male, wearing a collared shirt had one leg over the cement wall about to jump and police man was approaching him.
 
any more info is welcome.
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04.08.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
04.08.10, Sean, Palmetto, Noticed a silver 4 door sedan at the crest. Officials say it has been there since early this morning. Car was un-occupied. Not sure if it was a jumper or not but assuming it must have been? Anyone know anything?

any more info is welcome.
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03.28.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
03.28.10, Bill E., Riverview Fl., (03.28.10, 8:56pm), 10:21p: PCSO shows 'suicide suspect, unarmed...Skyway Bridge 10:25p: PCSO SITE....now changed to 'missing adult' 10:30p:10:30 HCSO....assist other agency 1 Skyway Bridge (thanks for the multiple reports.)

any more info is welcome.
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03.22.10: possible jumper
03.22.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT SKYWAY BG 11:29 12:23 0h54m

any more info is welcome.
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03.20.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
03.20.10, Randolph m., Largo, fl., (03.20.10, 03:20am), Happening now per fd scanner

any more info is welcome.
.
03.13.10: jumper, around 11:30am, male, died, body found
Todd Alan Korell, 43
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
03.14.10, anon, (03.13.10, 11:00), empty car parked on northbound bridge, police vehicle behind, coast guard heli, not heard anything on news. Jump?

03.14.10, Need information, Could you identify the car? Make, model, color, anything? (black four door compact is all we have so far.)

03.14.10, Cj, Parkland, FL., (03.13.10, 11:30am), Driving to Clearwater from south Florida, abandoned black 4 door compact car by crisis phone. Didn't see any emergency personal.

03.15.10, anon, (03.13.10, male, died, body found), It was a jumper. Not just a possible. I can't offer any other info than that for fear of losing my job. (sad that telling the truth has come to this. thanks for your input.)

03.15.10, a, FL., (03.13.10, 9:30am), Driving SB, Car at apex of bridge on NB side off to the side of road, noone inside that was visible.

03.17.10, Denton, Siesta Key, FL., (03.13.10, 1:30pm, male, bodyfound), Found male body floating face down in Tampa Bay 2.2 naut miles south of skyway. Notified Coast Guard. Idled near body until CC arrived in apx 10 ,min. When CC arrived they asked no further questions and told us to leave. Florida Fish & Game arrived on scene as we were leaving. We were not contacted by law enforcement or anyone else, can't find any ,thing in the news about it, coastguardnews.com big story of the day was a sailboat that sunk in a regata and all aboard were recovered safe.,Found your site while searching for information...not sure that he was a jumper maybe you can help with that body appeared to be male with black hair and white skin was wearing black work boots, jeans and a light colored shirt...lower back was exposed and showed no signs of bruising or bloating...I'm no expert but he appeared to have been in water a short time...less than 48hrs? The only other theory we had was that he was a crewman on ship entering or leaving the port of Tampa Bay and fell off the ship during the bad weather on 3.12.2010, I did take a couple of pictures later the same day: Just submitted info to you when I heard back from a friend with a local ME office that made a call for me to try to answer questions after we found the body, He confirmed with Hillsborough ME office jumper, male positive ID that matches abandoned car on bridge that morning, I don't feel comfortable in giving name of jumper as my buddy didn't know I would submit here....you might check obituaries for Todd later yet with images of the scene: My wife would not allow me to take shots any closer. These shots were taken shooting across the bow of our boat while we idled and waited for the CC to arrive. I grew up in Sarasota and I have always heard that the impact tears clothes away, breaks bones and or cuts into flesh more like a car accident. This jumper looked at least from his face down floating position as a simple drowning. couple more pics to follow (we appreciate your input. as you have witnessed for yourself, jumpers get little mention at times. we thank you for your pictures. having thought of posting a few, we best not.)

03.17.10, Boom, Gainesville, FL., (03.13.10, 1:00pm, male, hit water, died, bodyfound), A group of friends and I were boating near the bridge around 1pm on Saturday, 3/13/10 and found the body of a male floating (and dead) about a quarter mile west of the center span. Victim was wearing brown work boots, blue jeans, and a white tshirt. We called the Coast Guard, they showed up and we took off.

any more info is welcome.
03.13.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, VEHICLES - ABANDONED 1 SKYWAY BG 12:04 17:48 5h44m
03.13.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, ASSIST OTHER AGENCY 1 SKYWAY BG 17:09 18:01 0h52m
06.30.14, wtsp.com, Bradenton widow finds hope in Golden Gate suicide net. Widow wishes Sunshine Skyway bridge had suicide net,
Bradenton, Florida - The Sunshine Skyway Bridge, the four-mile long commuters' connection between St. Petersburg and Manatee County, is also a magnet for the troubled wanting to end their lives.
A Bradenton widow, whose husband took his life on the bridge, now finds hope in a prevention idea across the country as officials approve a net for the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.
Debbie Korell says her husband, Todd, didn't say goodbye.
"Today would have been his his 47th birthday," she said. "People handle stress differently and he just short-circuited. One night he got up in the middle of the night and drove the car to the top of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and he jumped right near 12:30 because that's the time that was on his watch when he died."
10 News is reporting on a suicide in this case because it occurred in a public place. Find out more about the station's crime guidelines, by clicking here. (link is dead)
She says her husband was troubled over recent deaths in their family as well as a major move from Chicago to Bradenton. The information technology professional had to search for not only a new job but new friends.
Debbie says she is encouraged over what is happening in San Francisco where the Golden Gate Bridge Board of Directors approved $76 million for a stainless steel net that will stretch about 20 feet wide on each side of the bridge's one-and-a-half-mile span. Since the bridge opened in 1937, nearly 1,600 people have plunged to their deaths but the net is a move to try to prevent deaths.
"I think that's a fabulous idea," said Debbie Korell. "After Todd died I tried contacting people to ask about putting up some sort of net on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge and all I got was we can't do it because it might kill the birds or ruin the aesthetic view."
The Florida Department of Transportation oversees the Skyway and while there's no plan in the works for a net, Kris Carson, a spokeswoman for the agency, says they have long since tried to prevent suicides.
She points to the 24-hour video monitoring of the bridge and other roads in the Bay area at their Traffic Management Center. Carson says in addition to that, "We actually pay the Florida Highway Patrol to get up there to patrol the bridge frequently so we can prevent suicides."
She also says there are several solar-powered phones on the bridge that ring directly to a crisis hotline.
If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay at (813) 964-1964, or 2-1-1 to connect with Tampa Bay Cares.

01.14.20: Debbie Korell discusses the proposed suicide barrier.
 Todd Alan Korell Todd Korell

facebook.com

mydeathspace.com
03.17.10, anon, Chicago, Il., I am a former coworker of Todd Alan Korell. He had recently moved to Bradenton from the Chicago area. He was 43 years old and you can find an obituary for him at Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home.

04.16.10, debbie k., bradenton, fl., this is my husband. could the person who found the body and who has photos please contact me. Todd gave no prior warnings that he was goign to do anything (we are sorry you had to go through this. we passed your message on to Denton, maybe he will contact you. we wish you well.)

04.30.10, ED, St.Pete., Might as well let people see what the end result of jumping. I do feel very sorry for the people that end it from the skyway. However; there is nothing more sad than seeing a Face book pic of a once happy face. Thnks for your work on this site.,,Ed,, (while posting the pictures would be legal, we already get enough static for the site already. we think it best to not publish these pictures.)

05.31.10, Deborah Korell, facebook, Thats my husband who was the jumper on the 13 of march. almost 3 months later and still no reason why. no note. no history of depression. he went to be, got up, left the house and jumnped off the bridge. and it does need to be reported.. or maybe we should stop reporitng murders, in the hopes that there will be no more murder

05.31.10, Sandee M., facebook, I'm so sorry for your loss, Deborah. There are no words to deal with your loss. I hope eventually you can make peace with his decision and go forward. ~Hugs~

06.03.10, Deborah Korell, facebook, my husband knew my mother died in front of me in the house we were living in. i think he didn't want me to find him in the house. thats why he left the house.

03.07.11, Deborah Korell, facebook,
A Year ago our worlds changed, for you were suddenly gone
You chose the time and place to go, no one will ever know why
But when you left us on that day, you took our hearts as well
loving you and missing you forever

03.13.11, Deborah Korell, facebook, I have been a widow for one full year. Last night sometime after midnight and before 2 am ( the time Todd died), the necklace that Todd gave me for our 5th anniversary, that i always wear, broke. Isn't the timing unusual...or is it just a co-incidence? (logical thinking wants us to think co-incidence, but how can we be sure what lurks beyond? we hope you are ok on this dark day.)

05.03.11, Debbie Korell, bradenton, fl., It has been 15 months. Our family is still shattered. It still makes no sense as to why he chose this. I'm still in therapy, working to get on with life, but it just all feels empty. Thanks for being there for all of us. (one would think and hope that it's possible to "get over" an event like this, yet that is rarely possible. the best you can expect is the ability to cope with it. getting to that point is the hardest part. we might suggest you stop trying to understand the why, as todd is the only one that truly knew why, even though his reasoning was flawed. good luck.)

05.03.11, Debbie Korell, bradenton, Fl., do you think it would be possible for the family and friends of jumpers to form a support group to help each other? I would be willing to work with you on this project, if there was a way we could get in touch with and support each other. no one else really understands what we live with, please let me know. I have included my phone, 941-[withheld]. (there have been several attempts at such a forum, but no clear way to organize one. it's not like many friends and family of jumpers see this site as something they approve of. we will try to work out a contact method to facilitate connection to those that may want it. we withheld publishing your phone number for obvious reason, but if someone truly wishes to contact you, we will pass along your number.)

08.31.11, Deborah Korell, facebook, This photo was taken from the west side of the bridge, in tampa bay. It is the approximate location of where Todd was found 3-13-10. It took me 17 months to go on a boat into tampa bay (thank you for sharing your continued dialog about your tragic event. hopefully it helps you cope with what was handed you.)


12.15.12, Deborah Korell, facebook, Every time i see your photo of the bridge (or the ones on the news), i can't help but imagine Todd (March 2010) jumping off of it. even 2 2/3 years later, and much grief work completed, the sight of that bridge is still upsetting. so to those who have had family and friends who have committed this terrilbe deed, i wish you some peace of heart during this holiday season.

09.19.13, Deborah Korell, facebook, Hello, First, I will say. I am sorry if this post offends anyone. That is not my intention. It has been 3 1/2 years since Todd made his choice. last year, I participated in a 5k Walk for Life, Suicide Prevention Walk. This year, I am doing it again. The difference is that this year I am attempting to raise funds. I am writing to ask for your support, either emotionally or financially. The walk is next Saturday, September 28. The walk goes over and back on the Green Bridge crossing the Manatee River between Palmetto and Bradenton. This is not the bridge Todd used yet it still a very moving walk for me. Donating is easy. Just follow the link. As you see, I've named the group after Todd.. I thank you for whatever support you can give me now and thank you again for everything you have already done for me. Feel free to pass this along. Love to all of you and thanks again. Debbie Korell WalkforLife2013/RememberToddKorell. (do not worry about any perceived offense. you do whatever you need to do, in order to cope with what you were dealt. we're not here to condemn your actions. we hope you have a great walk as you commune with those that understand your plight.) dialog:
•Sadie S., I went back home last year...to the town I last saw my baby brother alive..and I walked in his honor, it has been 27 years. I cried and I laughed, but I still remember how he lived, not how he chose to die. It will be hard, but you will not walk alone, he is forever in your heart.

10.06.13, Debbie Korell, in a discussion on facebook, Todd broke his leg and hip. His spleen ruptured and his liver and kidneys were severely lacerated. He broke ribs which punctured his lungs. He did not drown. later: I would never call Todd a coward...except that he did not have the courage to say I am in such huge emotional pain that I think the only thing to fix it will be to take my own life Todd had a fear of heights. Did not even like to climb on a ladder. But a coward.. never. Poor coping skills.... I guess so. He imploded. 

06.30.14, Debbie Korell, facebook, Today would have been Todd's 47th birthday. Its so hard to believe this is the 5th year he isn't here to celebrate his birthday. Could we all take a minute to just remember this great guy who made one really bad decision? Here's to you Todd! Love Debbie

03.13.15, Debbie Korell, facebook, Five years ago today I lost the love of my life. I'd like to thank all of you for being with me and being there for me as I have learned that life really does go on. I love all of you and could not have done it without you. Thank you for being in my life.

06.27.15, Debbie Korell, (a facebook dialog, in response to a 06.26.15 jump), My husband jumped from the bridge at 12:30 am. Middle of the night. His body was found by recreational boaters ten hours later. After many group sessions, I feel those who commit a public suicide feel they are saving their family from having to look day after day at the place in the home where they took their own life. Suicide is a myopic evil thing. It causes the brain to see things in a tunnel vision sort of way, from only one viewpoint, and that is to escape the horrendous emotional pain the person is enduring. They are unable to find a better solution and feel this is their only choice. (sorry you must live the rest of your life with that veil hanging over you.)
06.27.15, Debbie Korell, Tuesday June 30 would be his birthday. One can only move forward in life. Rather than hiding how he died, I am open about it. I have found it has given many people a safe place to speak of their own experiences, often held in for years. I also try to educate, suicide is not a 'crime of vengeance'. The Manatee glens walk for life will be sept 26. Its a 5k walk. This will be my third year. Anybody want to be on my team or sponsor me? (post a link and we will share it. you and Hanns Jones are very open with your story and we think it helps not only you, but others up against the silent mystery of suicide.)
06.27.15, Debbie Korell, Far better than maintaining some lie of 'it was an accident'. (sometimes, the comforting lie is easier to live with, than the harsh truth.)
06.27.15, Debbie Korell, I guess that's a matter of personal choice. (as long as it helps you to tell your story, that's all that matters.)
06.27.15, Debbie Korell, When suicide loses its stigma, and the survivors stop being blamed and the death is treated and supported as other deaths and the illness is able to be treated without locking someone away from their lives, my work will be completed.

05.27.22, bradenton.com, from a barrier artcle.
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02.09.10: possible jumper/save
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
02.09.10, f will, PinCo, Fl., (02.09.10, 5:00pm, female, used phones: yes), she's on the phone

any more info is welcome.
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02.08.10: jumper, 7:55am, female, no phones, hit water, died
Amber Rose Syme, 28
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
02.08.10, zolter, largo, (02.08.10, 7:55am, female, no phones, hit water, died), Multiple calls witness female jump off of bridge. Road Ranger can see body floating in the bay. Emergency units responding. later: Body recovered. Confirmed deceased at 8:19am

02.08.10, Suthern, Ellenton FL., (02.08.10, 8:00am), A car and an emergency truck parked at the top of the North bound span. Two emergency workers looking over the edge near the crisis phone. Two Fire trucks parked at the top of the South Bound span.

02.08.10, Louis H., (02.08.10, female, hit water), Saw someone jump this morning, about 7:45, female, northbound (headed toward St. Pete)

02.08.10, Sawit Today, St. Petersburg, FL., (02.08.10, 7:40am, female, no phones, hit water), Driving southbound on skyway, noticed brown car on the right side of northbound route. Nobody inside. As I was driving up, I thought I saw something falling, I'm guessing it was a jumper.

02.08.10, anon, (02.08.10, 7:55am, female, hit water, died, body found), driving to work this morning. a lady in her 30's stopped her car a gold kia rio at the top of the north bound bridge got out of her car while i was approaching. i slowed down thinking she was having car trouble. she walk around back of car. while i was looking at her she looked back at me and walked right over to the barrier and went over it. i stopped immediately and went back to her car and saw her facedown floating in the water drifting into the bay. the road rangers where there in minutes along with fire rescue but of course it was to late. she had '' by the pussycat dolls playing full blast on her radio..later rescue turned the music off..my prayers go out to the family if the read this. she didn't hesitate what she was doing

02.09.10, anon, Saint Pete, Female jumper was definitely deceased upon arrival to dry land. I work at the place where St. Pete Fire Rescue brings all deseased persons that have jumped from the Skyway bridge. Sometimes the bodies are just laying there wrapped in just a white sheet or in a body bag for hours becuase the medical examiner and mortuary must come and inspect the body in question before it is allowed to to be removed from unloading site. (thanks for the report. don't be a stranger.)

any more info is welcome.
02.08.10, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT SKYWAY BG 08:01 13:12 5h11m
02.08.10, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Twenty-eight-year-old female jumps to her death off Skyway Bridge. Monday, February 8, 2010, Time: 2:04 PM, Amber Rose Syme, DOB 4-13-81, [address withheld], Gibsonton, FL., Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in reference to an individual that had jumped off the bridge. Investigation revealed that the victim, Amber Syme parked her Kia on the center span, walked over to the rail and jumped, Her body was recovered by authorities from St. Petersburg and the body was then turned over to the Medical Examiners Office.
02.08.10, tampabay.com, Woman dies after jumping from Sunshine Skyway,
By Katie Sanders and Andy Boyle, Times Staff Writers
ST. PETERSBURG — A woman is dead after jumping from the Sunshine Skyway bridge Monday morning, officials said.
The woman, identified as Amber Rose Syme, 28, of [address withheld] in Gibsonton, jumped at 7:54 a.m., fire officials said. Her body was recovered shortly afterward. Officials found her in the water by using binoculars. Fire officials said it was the first confirmed Sunshine Skyway suicide of the year.
Bridge traffic was flowing regularly as of 8:30 a.m. some comments from the article:

02.08.10, 1948BradentonBolter, I don't think she is a coward. She made a decision that we should all be allowed to make. Tragic... yes, affects many other people... yes, and maybe very inconsiderate to family and friends. But she was desparate for peace and knew no other means to get it. Whatever was bothering her brought her much pain. People who do that normally have thought about it for some time. Those who go up there and don't end up jumping are in pain but are crying for help. She obviously was done with it all.

02.08.10, chestpc, I saw this woman pulled over at the bottom of the skyway bridge this morning around 7:45am. Probably contemplating the final drive to the top. I feel so bad for her and her family. This is just a horrible thing.

02.08.10, RaeMay581, Amber was a lifelong friend of mine. We grew up together. I had the pleasure of spending a week with her in May. I will treasure the time I got to spend with her. She was very sad and we were all trying to help her. I wish there was more we could have done. She had talked about moving up here to VA with me. I am just not sure if that could have changed things. Please think of her friends and family when giving your opinions. May she rest in peace.

02.08.10, jblonde, I worked with Amber 4 days a week for the last 6 months or so. I don't understand how people can make jokes about this. How rude and insensitive for her fsmily and friends. Living in an area with foreclosures had nothing to do with her depression for gods sake. What a jack a** that wrote that. All I can say is that when I worked with her she was upbeat and positive & customers loved her. We will all miss her greatly. My thoughts are with her family now. I feel awful

02.08.10, 1948BradentonBolter, At 7:54 I was crossing the top of the bridge to see her take her life. It was disturbing and I feel sorry for her pain which brought her to this point and for her family and friends who will miss her.
  Amber Rose Syme   Amber Rose Syme

mydeathspace.com
02.08.10, Rachel K., facebook, You were such a beautiful girl, inside and out. I only wish you saw what we saw. I love and miss you...now and forever.

02.12.10, anon, Michigan, justmommies.com, tonight i am really having a hard time dealing with Amber's death. I have definitely gone through the five stages of grief and didn't even realize it until now. It took me a couple days for her death to really sink in - denial. Anger. I was angry that she didn't give anyone a chance to help her. That she would think her life was so bad that she could just leave it with no regard for those she was leaving behind. Angry that I didn't see she needed help. As for bargaining - there was no "i'll do this if you do that" type stuff - but I did dwell on the fact that if she had only reached out she'd have realized that I was going through the same thing she was. I also reversed that and blamed myself, thinking I should have reached out and made an effort - but how was I to know? she's in florida. i'm in michigan. tonight i'm in depression. i am so many pictures and memories floating through my head right now. i hurt for her family and friends. i hurt for my family. i hurt for her. i hurt for myself. i miss her. i feel so sad that we'll never get together again and go horse back riding or never stand in silence and enjoy the beauty of winter. i feel sad that she'll never find her one true love, get married, and have babies. i guess that i have acceptance to look forward to. grieving blows.
later in the same thread: there is a website, jumperpool.com i think, where people actually make bets and guesses as to when and who the next jumper from the skyway bridge would be. i hate that people can actually win stuff from my cousin's death. there is also a spot on there to read accounts of the suicides. the last person to see amber alive posted her account. she said amber had no hesitation when she jumped. she actually saw her jump...and saw her in the bay. she said the last song she was listnening to was a pussycat dolls song and it was blasting from her car. i am so grateful to have known amber. she was an incredibly beautiful person inside and out who struggled with so much of the same stuff I have struggled with. (we are sorry for your loss. fyi, no one wins anything by participating in this guessing pool. [the guessing pool has since been eliminated on this site as of 2011.] the justmommies page contains several anti-jumperpool comments from self proclaimed "mega platinum supermommies". one can imagine how hurt we are by their opinion. we're sure their "mega platinum super überchildren" are perfect in every way and will never be prone to depression or suicide.~) comment:
10.08.10, Ed, St.Pete, Nothing makes me sicker than justmommies.com. And they dump on this site! Like having a baby is that big a deal. My dog had 10 babies at one time, girls! (how unfair to never hear about all the hard work and sweat a man puts into the process of conceiving a child. it's always, "look at me, i'm a woman, i'm having a baby, me me me, it's so hard, i'm giving birth, blah blah blah".)
02.08.12, anon, I appreciate your explanation to me but do you mind taking down what you took that I wrote while I was grieving the loss of my cousin? I would really appreciate it. These are real people with real feelings, not some sort of entertainment for you. (the notion we enjoy the "entertainment" suicide brings us is both wrong and insulting. your words were posted on a public forum for all the public to see. we use words written by family members, such as yourself, to demonstrate to potential suicidals, the pain and hurt they will be leaving behind. your words eloquently paint a picture of tremendous sorrow. we like to think they help in the prevention of suicide, not in the promotion of suicide entertainment. as such, we will leave your words posted, but have removed your name.)  

02.20.10, Friend, Maryland, First of all, my sincerest sympathy to Amber's family and other friends. I also knew Amber and I went to school with her for years and though we went our seperate ways after graduation, we still kept in touch via Facebook. As far as this website is concerned, I found it after hearing about Amber on her Facebook, almost immediately after someone had said something along the lines of "I miss you". I googled her name and this site popped up. Though the premise of the website I have yet to figure out, and though details of Ambers death (such as the song she was listening to) leave some of us, just wondering, it also allows us to understand things just a little bit more. None of us who knew her were there. She talked to a couple of friends before she drove her car to the bridge that very morning and still noone had a clue. Once "most" of her friends from school found this website, we were in shock. Wondering why of course, as natural human reaction but almost feeling a little bit closer because someone who posted on here actually saw her moments before. A memorial service is planned her honor soon, and I plan to go taking with me not the wonderment of why she jumped, but knowing that whatever she had going on was what she felt she needed to do and is now in God's hands. To Amber,you are truly missed by so many, and your beautiful smile and amazing character will not be surpassed. To the website, thank you for running this site despite the criticism. As humans we are intrigued by the human mind and motivation for death/destruction/suicide, etc. Aside from the negative aspects I appreciate that this can be a place where a "pseudo" memorial is set up in Amber's honor. Thank You. (we are sorry you lost your friend. suicide takes away many without anyone else knowing why. we are only left to try and figure it out.)
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01.17.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
01.17.10, Tra, Dunedin, (01.17.10, 11:25pm, no phones), Pinellas 911 Scanner at 11:25 (Bridge Alert) caller advised person got out of their truck and walked away from their vehicle at top of bridge.

any more info is welcome.
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01.12.10: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
01.13.10, Joe P., Ellenton, Fl., (01.12.10,9:00pm), Driving over the Skyway last night, newer black Mercedes with flashers on. No one inside.

any more info is welcome.
 
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