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2011 jump events

updated: 02.21.12
have any factual news, updates, or additions?
(our comments follow)
.
12.31.11: possible jumper
12.31.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2311, 0003, 0h52m

any more info is welcome.
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12.19.11: possible jumper
12.19.11, manateesheriff.com, 18:21, DISABLED VEHICLE, SKYWAY BRIDGE CREST

(any more info is welcome.)
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12.14.11: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
12.14.11, boomdog, st pete, (12.14.11, 2:00pm), Looks like another one. Map grid 723s....fireboat responding

12.14.11, shepdog of skyway lane, st pete, fl., (12.14.11, 1:48pm), Pinellas County dispatched an engine, rescue and truck from SPFD Station 11 and the district chief from downtown to grid 723S. This is not quite the standard dispatch for a jumper. However, at 2:20pm fire boat 11 was launched and that makes me think they are looking for someone under the bridge.

any more info is welcome.
.
11.28.11: jumper, 8:49am, male, died, body found 3 days later
Paul Grasso, 46
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
11.28.11, Steven H., facebook,  8:47AM today. Witnesses report a subject jumping off the bridge after getting off motorcycle. Units enroute.

11.28.11, anon, B.T.L.S. Show advising of possible jumper @ 9:00 E.S.T. on 102.5 FM

11.28.11, shepdog of skyway lane, st pete, fl., (11.28.11, 8:47am, hit water), pinellas county dispatched FB11, ECSR, and FFWC, an engine and the district chief from downtown to grid 723S. This is the standard dispatch for a jumper. There is a motorcycle at the top of the bridge and USCG, FB11, ECSR, and FFWC boats searching a grid along with the HCSO helicopter. (so many acronyms. you left out EIEIO. thanks for the clarifications.)

11.28.11, Sharon R.S., facebook, They still haven't found him and are determining whether to call off the search in a few minutes due to weather. later: SEARCH & RESCUE 11/28/11 09:35 (ST. PETERSBURG - 1E) UPDATE:1 CONFIRMED JUMPER,VICTIM LOCATED CONFIRMED DEATH,TRANSPORTING TO DOCK [FLA239] (thanks also to Valerie B., facebook.)

11.28.11, Marcel L., Bradenton Beach, FL., (11.28.11, 9am), I was crossing the skyway this morning about 9:00 am and there were several emergency vehicles, police, EMT, Firetrucks at the top of the bridge. I saw what appearred to be an abandoned blue motor scooter. I stopped at the north rest area and saw another EMT vehicle and saw a marine patrol boat heading toward the center of the bridge. I couldn't find any news reports about this incident.

11.29.11, Anonymous, Florida, (11.28.11, 8:45am, male), As I was driving over the Skyway, I noticed a man and a motorcycle on the shoulder. I remember thinking how weird it was because you are not allowed to stop. He appeared to be a young man and wore sunglasses, black jacket, and shorts. Then it happened really quick...one moment I see him looking over the edge and then he just climbed over the wall.

any more info is welcome.
11.28.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0849, 1824, 9h35m

12.05.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Positive Identification has been made on the Skyway Bridge jumper.
Victim: Paul Grasso, DOB: 3-15-65, [address withheld], Palmetto, FL.,
Details: On November 28, 2011 at approximately 8:49 a.m. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in reference to a jumper off the bridge. According to witnesses, the individual drove a motor scooter to the top of the northbound side of the bridge, walked over to the rail and jumped.
A body was recovered on December 1, 2011 and turned over to the Hillsborough County Medical Examiners office where an autopsy was performed and positive identification was to be determined.
On December 5, 2011, Hillsborough County Medical Examiners Office was able to make positive identification of Paul Grasso through fingerprints.
11.28.11, tampabay.com, Motorcyclist jumps from Sunshine Skyway
By Marissa Lang, Times Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — Hillsborough County sheriff's deputies are responding to an individual who jumped off the Sunshine Skyway Monday morning.
A Florida Highway Patrol trooper saw the person, who was not immediately identified, ride up on a motorcycle, get off and leap off the bridge just after 8:45 a.m., officials said.
"It happened so fast," said Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Melissa Kincheloe. "They couldn't even see if it was a man or a woman."
The trooper immediately notified the Sheriff's Office.
A recovery effort is under way, but could be hampered by rough, storm-like conditions, Kincheloe said.
12.06.11, Rayanne B., facebook, he left behind 3 teenage sons, a note for his mother, and a lot of unanswered questions.

08.06.13, lynda, largo, Learned on your site, was a dear person to me had no clue he was so sad, unbelievable
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11.27.11: possible jumper, 2:08am
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
11.28.11, Sharon R.S., facebook, There was also a jumper last night, supposedly. The Radioreference.com site has it listed as: SEARCH & RESCUE, 11/27/11 02:08 (ST. PETERSBURG - FD-1E) PERSON OFF BRIDGE IN WATER UNKNOWN LOCATION FD-MARINE UNITS ENROUTE PCSO HELICOPTER ENROUTE ACTIVE SEARCH AT THIS TIME [FLA254] and then...... SEARCH & RESCUE 11/27/11 02:25 (ST. PETERSBURG - FD-1E) UPDATE: E13 INCIDENT COMMAND SUICIDAL PATIENT JUMPED OFF BRIDGE ACTIVE SEARCH 2 PD-HELOS ON SCENE FD-MARINE & U.S. COAST GUARD ENROUTE [FLA254]

(any more info is welcome.)
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11.24.11: possible jumper, 7:30pm
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
11.24.11, anon, tampa, (11.24.11, 7:30pm), I was driving northbound and saw an unoccupied small convertible parked at the top with a cop behind it and no one in the cop's back seat. I wouldn't normally pay much attention to it but I'm almost positive I saw that same vehicle parked at the base of the bridge headed southbound about 4 hours earlier. There was a single white small occupant 30-50ish although I did not get a great look at him. Any news on this?

11.26.11, Lisa B., facebook, Where are people posting the sightings these days? Abandoned car on Thanksgiving evening.. Being towed away. North bound side. (the skyway bridge jumper reporting facility is open 24/365.)

(any more info is welcome.)
..
10.27.11: jumper, 12:55pm, male, died, body found same day
Jason Scott Lyons, 42
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
10.27.11, Steven H., facebook, 12:50pm today - Reports of an individual parking a car on top of the bridge and jumping off. South bound. Single phone call from a passerby. Search beginning with Coast Guard. PCSO, Eckerd College and FHP.

10.27.11, Elle, Bradenton, fl., (10.27.11, 3:30pm), I just drove over the bridge and saw several cop cars behind another car pulled off to the construction section of the road (south bound). Couldn't see what was going on and since it's currently happening there isn't any info yet, but I figure it's some kind of jumper activity.

10.27.11, Fishingday, Tampa, FL., (10.27.11, 2:30pm), I was driving Southbound across the Skyway home from fishing. Traffic slowed down to a crawl. I saw police and ambulace lights. When i finally got to the top, i noticed officers looking over the side of the bridge. There was a red soft-top caddilac(?) parked in the median. I'm watching the news tonight to see if my suspicions are confirmed.

(any more info is welcome. thanks to Jan R. on facebook.)
10.27.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 1255, 1816, 5h21m

10.28.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Sunshine Skyway Bridge Suicide, Thursday, October 27, 2011, Time: 12:55 PM
Victim: Jason Lyons, DOB: 5/05/1969, Tampa, FL
Details: On October 27, 2011, the victim Jason Lyons drove his Chrysler convertible to the center span of the southbound lanes of the Skyway Bridge, parked his vehicle and then jumped. The victim was recovered by St. Petersburg Fire Department Marine Unit and transported to O’Neil's Marina.
Next of kin have been notified. (thanks Elle in Bradenton and bill e. in riverview)
11.08.11, picture and notation from mr. lyons' public facebook page, which has since been removed: About Jason: I am a single 41 year old male, who moved to Tampa, Florida almost a year ago from Indiana. I formerly worked in the Law Enforcement field for almost 16 years. I currently work in security for several large banks in the Tampa area. I love spending time at the beach, enjoy biking, spending time with family who visit, enjoy a wide variety of music, movies, sporting events, "Dallas Cowboys" are my favorite team, enjoy shopping, dining out, or just relaxing at home watching different birds in the lake outside my balcony. Hoping to meet new friends and enjoy life!
Favorite Quotations: Give your best in whatever you do!
   Jason Lyons
11.09.11, Christina C., Indianapolis, IN., I am writing in reference to the information posted on this site regarding Jason Lyons. He was a dear friend of mine. His friends, and especially family, are having a very difficult time dealing with this. I understand what the owners of this site are trying to accomplish with educating the public, but I believe a line is being crossed when you link to his personal facebook and copy the information in the manner you have. It is in very poor taste and disrespectful to those that are still reeling from this loss. It is one thing to say a death has occurred, but completely another when it is gone about in this manner. I would like to request the link to his facebook be removed from this site. (we are sorry for your loss and that this information may be hurtful, but you need to understand the difference between public and private facebook postings. jason determined that his personal facebook postings would be public. as such, everyone on these interwebs had full access to all the words and pictures he posted. the same can be said about jason's brother when he posted his announcement that jason's demise was a result of a battle with cancer. your facebook privacy settings are tied up somewhat better, so all we know about you is that you like 'matchbox twenty' and 'twilight'. we understand that suicide is hurtful to the family and this site points that out to potential suicidals. it's also a timely reminder to think about the privacy settings on the social networks one uses and what one posts on them. there have been several skyway jumpers with private facebook or myspace pages that offer up nothing to random internet strangers. as such, none of their postings turn up on this site. others are wide open (examples:  1 ,  2 ,  3 ) and have painted lonely, depressed, isolated, idiot, angry, hurting, sad, and/or suicidal personalities, some of which may or may not be read into jason's entries.)
.
10.12.11: save, male, stopped from jumping
Charles Yagley, 82
10.13.11, bradenton.com, Man attempts to kill himself by jumping off the Skyway Bridge
By PARADISE AFSHAR Bradenton Herald
MANATEE -- An 82-year-old man was taken in under the Baker Act on Wednesday morning after his ex-wife tipped off law enforcement that he was about to jump off the Skyway Bridge, the sheriff’s office reports.
After she called the Bradenton Police Department, toll booth personnel were alerted of the man’s vehicle description. They said that he had just gone through a toll booth and was headed toward the bridge, a media release said.
A Manatee deputy was able to catch up to the vehicle and initiate a traffic stop, the release said. The driver exited the vehicle and the deputy secured him before he was able to make it to the edge of the railing.
The man admitted he wanted to commit suicide and was taken to Manatee Glens.

10.15.11, newsmanateearchive.com, Deputy Thwarts Elderly Man's Suicide Attempt on Skyway
MANATEE COUNTY, Florida [NMT] -- The Manatee County Sheriff's Office reported an attempted suicide on Wednesday, October 12, 2011, at about 11:45 a.m., on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
A sheriff's report said Charles Yagley, 82, called his ex-wife Thursday morning stating that he wanted to jump off the Skyway Bridge.
BPD responded to Charles' ex-wife's house and obtained a sworn affidavit from her.
The toll booth personal were alerted to Charles' vehicle description and advised that the vehicle had just passed through the toll booth headed towards the bridge.
Dep. Pearson was able to catch up to the vehicle and initiate a traffic stop on it.
The driver, Yagley, exited the vehicle and Dep. Pearson secured him before he was able to make it to the edge of the railing.
Charles admitted to Dep. Pearson that he wanted to commit suicide.
Charles was taken to Manatee Glens under a Baker Act.

any more info is welcome.
.
09.18.11: possible jumper, 12:30pm, male
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
09.18.11, Sean Doe, Sarasota, FL., (09.18.11, 12:30pm, male), I was crossing going over the bridge Southbound at approximately 12:30 pm (give or take) when I saw a blue mo-ped parked on the left side emergency lane. I then saw a man in a red shirt, backwards Tampa Bay Rays hat and sunglasses standing on the opposite side with his hands on the guard rail while looking downward. Mind you, this is at the apex of the bridge so there is little to no room on the right side of the bridge for a person to stand as cars fly by. I contemplated dialing 911, however I did not. Is there any clarification on this individual, as I am now having immense regret for not at least picking up the phone to report this. I know I was not the only driver to see this man. (people do stop at the top for various non-jumping activities, even though it's against the law. whether to take a picture or just take in the view, the temptation to stop is great. your report is the first we have heard of this incident.)

(any more info is welcome.)
.
09.13.11: jumper, 2:47pm, male, died, body found same day
Donald Perri, 73
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
09.13.11, f will, clw, (09.13.11, 3:00pm, male, no phones, hit water, died, body found), that is all.

(any more info is welcome. thanks to Joe R. and Steven H., facebook)
09.13.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT  SKYWAY BG 1451, 1503 0h12m
09.13.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT  SKYWAY BG 1506, 1937 4h31m

09.14.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Skyway Bridge Suicide, The victim has been identified. Tuesday, September 13, 2011, Time: 2:47 PM, Victim: Donald Perri, DOB: 1-30-38, Bradenton, FL., Details: On September 13, 2011, the victim Donald Perri drove his 2003 Toyota to the north bound side of the Skyway, parked his vehicle and then jumped over the side of the bridge. The body was recovered by St. Petersburg Fire Rescue boat and transported to O’Neills Marina. Next of kin was notified.
09.13.11, tbo.com, Body recovered near Sunshine Skyway Bridge
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has responded to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge after the body of someone who jumped was recovered this afternoon.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission recovered the body at around 3 p.m. today. The victim hasn't been identified.
Sheriff's detectives will take over the investigation. (thanks Kevin in Tampa and  Joe Schmo in Oldsmar)
09.16.11, florida mugshots. by all indications, this guy was convicted of aggravated child abuse with injury. society misses him already.~
let's hope conscience prompted his departure and not further destruction.
   07.26.10  04.04.11
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08.04.11: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
08.04.11, Sharon R. S., facebook, I just heard the scanner confirm someone deceased that is being taken to the Manatee side of the bridge. They cancelled all rescue equipment and called in PD. I didn't hear the first of the transmissions, but assume that it was a jumper.

08.05.11, bill e., riverview, (08.04.11, 11:04am, female), Hcso shows dispatch to 1 skyway bridge.

08.08.11, Ashley W., Sarasota, Fl., (08.04.11, 11:45am), Driving to school and as I was driving north just before the bridge starts to incline saw fire truck and fire chief trucks with people looking over the side of the bridge. A few feet away an FHP officer stepped out of his car and also looked over the side of the bridge. Not sure if there was a jumper or what. There was no car visible on the side of the road continuing north.

(any more info is welcome.)
08.04.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, ASSIST OTHER AGENCY, 1 SKYWAY BG, 1104, 1117 0h13m
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08.01.11: possible jumper
08.01.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2357, 0005 0h08m

(any more info is welcome.)
.
07.26.11: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
07.27.11, Mianette, Bradenton, FL., (07.26.11, 8:00pm), I'm not positive, however, as I was driving over the skyway last night I saw there was a police car at the top of the bridge. It was slowing down traffic, but as I was approaching, another police car came up from my right side and pulled up behind an old truck that was empty. I was looking around for a person that the truck may belong to and I didn't see anyone. As I was coming down the bridge, the first police car went down to the bottom of the bridge and pulled through the median to the other side. It looked like it may have been headed toward the coast on that side. Ever since, I've been trying to find information on what happened but no luck.

(any more info is welcome.)
.
07.18.11: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
07.19.11, AD, Parrish, FL., (07.18.11, 11:50am), Driving South on Skyway around noon. I saw FHP and tow truck driver looking over the edge of N.Bound span.

(any more info is welcome.)
.
07.17.11: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
07.17.11, gruesome, seminole, fl., (07.17.11, 4:00pm), drove over sunshine skyway around 4p, FHP on both sides of bridge at top, 2 SPFD responding and 1 ambulance with lights on waiting in park area by shore

any more info is welcome.
.
07.13.11: jumper, 10:15am, male, died, body found same day
Leighton 'Pete' Riddle, 50
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
07.13.11, Steven H., facebook, +1, Pronounced at 10:45am.

07.13.11, ANON, Pinellas, FL., (07.13.11, 10am, male, hit water, died, bodyfound), I am a paramedic that was visiting the 911 com center of pinellas county today. 1st call received was from FHP stating a male had jumped from the center span, very few details. Second call came in a few minutes later from a boater who recovered the individual, stated there was foam and blood coming from the persons mouth. CPR was given and EMS declared the patient dead at oneill's (sp?). No age or description unfortunately (thanks for the report. do come back again.)

any more info is welcome.
07.13.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 1019, 1508 4h49m

07.13.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Sunshine Skyway Bridge Suicide, A fisherman recovers the body.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011, Time: 10:19 AM, Victim: Leighton Riddle, DOB 8-16-60, Pinellas Park, FL
AAt approximately 10:19 deputies responded to a call at the Skyway Bridge in reference to a jumper. The victim, Riddle drove to the center span of the bridge and parked his pick up truck. He then exited his vehicle and jumped over the rail. A citizen (fisherman) recovered the body and transported the body to O’Neills Marina.
07.13.11, tbo.com, Man, 50, jumps to death off Sunshine Skyway bridge
TAMPA -- A 50-year-old Pinellas Park man committed suicide this morning by jumping from the center of the Sunshine Skyway bridge, Hillsborough County deputies said.
Leighton Riddle parked his pickup, got out and jumped over the bridge's railing, deputies said. A fisherman recovered the body and transported it to O'Neill's Marina.
07.14.11, L. J., Lexington, KY., Leighton Riddle was my Uncle. He went by Pete. We are shocked to hear about his suicide and we deeply saddened about his death. Of course, we have and may always have many unanswered questions. I have never been to this bridge, nor had I heard of it before this. However, after doing some research and learning more information. I am surprised to learn and read about all of the suicides associated with the bridge. I suppose it may just be the exit of Tampa. I found your site and was intrigued to read more. It definitely sounds like a horrible way to leave this world. RIP, Uncle Pete, you are loved by so many and will never be forgotten. (by our own estimates, we are closing in on 200 suicides from the skyway bridges, past and present. we have been across the bridge many times and can not imagine the inner torment one must possess to step off of it. with other less painful methods, we just don't get it. we are sorry for your loss.)

07.14.11, it appears mr. riddle used facebook to say goodbye to those he loves, about 1½ days prior to his suicide.

his facebook page is now a memorial page.
 

07.14.11, krc, lexington, ky., My brother was the jumper on 7-13-11. he will be greatly missed by all of his brother's and sister's. ..Pete(Leighton) was the baby of the family. We all loved him very much and will miss him everyday for the rest of our lives, I'm so sad that none of us could help him in his greatest hour of need, I hope he has found the peace he so desperately needed. R.I.P brother you will always be in my heart. Love you always. (suicide always hurts those left behind the most. we are sorry for the loss of your brother.)
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07.01.11: save, as depicted in this music video starting at the 8m55s mark.


(any more info is welcome.)
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06.26.11: possible save, 10:14pm
unknown
06.26.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, MENTALLY ILL PERSON/NON VIOLENT, 3839, SKYWAY BG, 2214, 2224

any more info is welcome.
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06.20.11: jumper, 12:00am, male, died, body found 2 days later
Antonio Libardo DeLeon, 33
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
06.26.11, joshua p., tampa, fl., (06.20.11, 2pm, male, hit water, died, body found), me n my dad n my cousin where fishing we seen a car stop so we still kept fishing so. we waited threw some poles in from the pier theyre went a flying ambulance over the bridge he came back by n stopped on the top they had cost guard police boats rip whoever jumnped
Hillsborough Sheriff:
06.20.11, INFORMATION, SKYWAY BG, 0143, 0532, 3h49m
06.20.11, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0147, 0148, 0h01m
06.21.11, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 1422, 1741, 3h19m

06.24.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Skyway Bridge Suicide, Monday, June 20, 2011,
Time: 12:00 AM Victim: Antonio L. DeLeon, DOB 7-15-77, Seffner, FL,
Details: On June 20, 2011 deputies responded to the center span of the Skyway Bridge in reference to an abandoned vehicle on the center span. The 1999 White Nissan Maxima was impounded.
On June 22, 2011 the body of a white male was discovered by a fisherman who notified law enforcement. The body was recovered and transported to the Medical Examiners Office.
On June 24, 2011, the body was positively identified as that of Antonio DeLeon, whose vehicle was recovered from the bridge on June 20.

(any more info is welcome.)
 
florida mugshots
06.22.11, tampabay.com, Fisherman discovers man's body below Sunshine Skyway bridge
TAMPA — A fisherman discovered a man's body in the waters below the Sunshine Skyway bridge Wednesday.
Hillsborough deputies are investigating but say they have not identified the man yet or his cause of death.
Stay with tampabay.com for updates. (there are no updates. comments follow article) like this one:
06.22.11, Mucho Dinero, This is the jumper incident I spoke of a couple of nights ago that the Coast Guard and other authorities aborted searching for after 90 minutes, deeming it to be a recovery incident rather than a rescue incident after he spent 90 minutes in the water. Never saw anything until now on this.

06.24.11, wveatv.com, translated with google translate: The Hillsborough Sheriff is investigating the discovery of another corpse that was found by a fisherman in the waters of the Skyway Bridge, the deceased by the name of Antonio Deleon 33 years of age and a resident of Seffner, authorities say that it was a homicide, had found the car oficiles Deleon on the bridge on Monday, this is the seventh suicide has been reported in that area so far this year. (no comentarios follow article. not sure how "homicide" and "seventh suicide" found it's way into the report and/or translation.)
.
06.15.11: needless training
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
06.15.11, Autumn K., Tampa, FL., (06.15.11, 11:00am), Sheriff and crisis intervention team hanging out at the north tower of the skyway. Possible jumper activity.

06.15.11, anon, no, it was the HCSO crisis negotiations team doing training, in order to be better prepared for possible suicidal jumpers. (mind you, we are always appreciative of the troopers/negotiators and all they do to keep watch on the bridge, but we're not so sure the continued training and deployment of these hit or miss troopers/negotiators are better than actual prevention.)

any more info is welcome.
.
06.04.11: possible jumper
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
06.04.11, John Doe, Bradenton FL., (06.04.11, 6:15pm, male), I was crossing the bridge southbound. A man was sitting on the ledge about 3/4 the way up. There was a parked truck on the other side, just after construction. There was another man several feet away from him, talking to him. I don't recall if there was another car/truck parked or if it was just one. The Carnival cruise line had just passed under the bridge, and that is what I was focusing on. I called 911; they said that they had already had several calls. They transferred me to FHP; they said that they already had units on the way.

any more info is welcome.
.
05.07.11: jumper, 11:58pm, male, died, body found same day
Robert Byron Bingel, 58
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
05.08.11, Joe R., facebook, (05.08.11, 12:00a), Another jump tonite around midnite.... body found confirmed dead 1:14 am van atop of bridge with note in it. later: heard this on radioreference.com.

05.08.11, Dan, St. Petersburg, (05.08.11), You said on your website the victim had a van. I drove over the bridge soon after the jump and saw an early model Cadillac and no other vehicle. later: I am certain it was an early model light colored Cadillac parked in the left construction lane on the southbound side of the center spam. There were no other vehicles there other than EMS, fire rescue, FHP and Sheriff vehicles.

05.09.11, Jay B., Sarasota, Fl., We were returning to Sarasota from Clearwater at around 1:00AM when we saw all the activity on the bridge. We too saw an early model pearl white Cadillac Eldorado on the inside shoulder of the Southbound lanes of the bridge. Several law enforcement vehicles on the bridge, a helicopter, and rescue boat in the the water were seen.

05.09.11, Hope O., Petersburg, FL., (05.08.11, 12:15am), I want to share that I too saw the a light color cadillac on the side of the road with cop car behind it at the top of the bridge heading south on 5-8-11. By the time I was able to turn around, there were all types of emergency vehicles. The only confirmation I had that it was in fact a jumper was this site. Thanks. (we are your jumper news station. let's kick off this hour with a little van halen...)

any more info is welcome.
05.08.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0010, 0426, 4h16m

05.08.11, radioreference.com, SEARCH & RESCUE 01:14 (ST. PETERSBURG - 1E) UPDATE: BRIDGE ALERT, JUMPERS BODY WAS RECOVERED, CONFIRMED DEATH [FLA239]

05.10.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Man burns his home prior to jumping from the Skyway Bridge.
Saturday May 7, 2011, Time: 11:58 AM, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Victim:
Robert Byron Bingel, DOB: 8/28/52, Seminole, FL
At approximately 11:58 p.m. Florida Highway Patrol received a call from Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in reference to a jumper off the Skyway Bridge. The victim had drove to the southbound center span of the Skyway Bridge and parked his vehicle and jumped. His body was recovered by St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and taken to O-Neill’s Marina. Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was later notified by Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office that the victim burned his residence down prior to committing suicide.
05.10.11, tampabay.com, Saying 'I'm gonna haunt you,' man jumps to death from Sunshine Skyway
By Ileana Morales, Times Staff Writer
Robert Bingel was out of work and had few possessions. His live-in girlfriend told him he would have to find a new place to live. They were finished.
So on Saturday night, Bingel wrote his girlfriend a note and left it in the mailbox. "I'm gonna haunt you for the rest of your life,'' he wrote.
Then he set fire to their Seminole home, drove her golden Cadillac to the top of the Sunshine Skyway, crossed two lanes of traffic and jumped to his death, authorities said.
A passer-by called 911 around midnight.
His body was found about 500 yards from the bridge. Florida Highway Patrol troopers found a wallet and a note on the dashboard of the Cadillac.
Firefighters were putting out the blaze he started at the home at 8591 Forsyth Drive when Bingel's girlfriend, Dawn Abbott, 51, arrived at 2:15 a.m.
It was almost 3 a.m. when Bingel's brother Floyd got a call from Abbott looking for him.
Police already had told Bingel his brother was dead and when he broke the news to Abbot she got hysterical, he said. The couple's relationship was confrontational throughout the 20 or so years they lived together, but on Sunday she still said she loved him.
"And that's why she put up with him all of those years," Bingel said. Their arguments grew worse last week when Abbott lost her job, said Bingel.
His brother used to paint cars at auto repair stores, but for some reason stopped a couple years ago. He'd awake around noon and spend all day on the computer.
Bingel said Abbott worked as a supervisor at BIC, the pen company, but broke her foot a few months ago. Spending more time together put more stress on the relationship. When she lost her job, Abbot said she couldn't afford to stay in the house, Bingel said, so she planned to rent it out in July and move in with friends.
"He was being evicted, basically," Bingel said. "Maybe this was the final straw before he had nothing left."
Bingel described his brother as quiet. They kept in touch through e-mail. He said his brother had few possessions.
He was the second person last week to jump from the Skyway, the fifth this year. An unidentified man jumped Thursday but survived the 200-foot plunge.
More than 130 people have died jumping from the bridge since it opened in 1987. (comments follow article)
05.11.11, ReginaFilangee, obscurestore.typepad.com, If they were brave enough to do that, they wouldn't be committing suicide in the first place. They would find a less cowardly way to deal with whatever is bothering them. The real victims of suicide are ALWAYS the survivors, even if their house isn't burned down and they don't get haunted. They are always implicitly "haunted" by the lifelong wondering of the guilt of whether they were somehow responsible for the suicide (they NEVER are) or if they could have recognized warning signs and prevented it. By survivors, I meant those friends and relatives left behind after a suicide occurs, not a survivor of a suicide attempt.
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05.05.11: jumper, 8:44pm, male, hit water, lived
unknown, 21
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
05.05.11, GP, St Pete, (05.05.11, 8:44pm). USCG reporting person in the water at centerspan of Skyway Bridge. Asking for any further information later: 2120 - St Pete Fireboat #11 finds person in the water. later: Marine units reporting jumper is alive and being transported to O'neill's Marine for medical care.

05.05.11, Zolter, Largo, FL., (05.05.11, 8:40pm, male, no crisis phone, hit water, lived), At 8:40pm Fire Dept responded to reports of a male jumper from northbound lanes of Skyway. Witness was a female friend of the jumper and was in some type of disturbance with him. He instructed her to stop on the bridge so he could "relieve" himself. Upon getting out the vehicle he jumped. Subject was located near the rocks about 35 minutes later and was reported to have been moving. Rescue still in progress

05.05.11, Sugar, St. Pete, (05.05.11, 8:45pm, male, no crisis phone, hit water, died, body found), RadioReference.com aired this. Apparently a man and a woman were having a disagreement. He told her to stop the car so he could relieve himself. She stopped the car and he jumped.

05.05.11, anon, from what i understand a male was involved in a domestic with a female while driving on bridge. male was driving vehicle and stopped on the top of the bridge going northbound, got out of the vehicle and jumped over the the side. FD units located the victim shortly after marine units arrived onscene and at 9:45pm is enroute to oneils marina with a trama alert patient to be transported to bayfront via ground.

05.07.11, william w., (05.05.11, 8:40p), Saw a Red Jeep Cherokee stopped abruptly last night on the Northbound side of the skyway: This vehicle was at the top of the span : Did not see anyone outside of the vehicle:
Within minutes I saw a police car headed to the Southband Span :This weirded me out : this was at 840ish – I called home at 846 to tell my wife

(any more info is welcome.)
05.05.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2043, 0009, 3h26m
05.05.11, tbo.com, Man survives jump from Sunshine Skyway
A 21-year-old man jumped off the Sunshine Skyway bridge Thursday night and survived, officials said.
The man, whose name wasn't released, was rescued by St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue firefighters, who approached the man on a boat, officials said.
The firefighters located the man on top of rocks at the west side of the bridge. Two divers from the fire department's boat swam to the rocks and made contact with the man, a fire department official said.
The firefighters helped place the man on a raft and secured him with a rescue line. They returned to the boat, where paramedics attended to the man.
He was declared a trauma alert and was transported to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg.
The incident occurred about 8:45 p.m., when the man and a woman were driving on the Skyway. The man parked near the center of the span on the northbound lanes of the bridge, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.
He got out of the vehicle, jumped and landed in Tampa Bay. He then swam to the rocks that buffer the bridge, the sheriff's office said. (thanks to Zolter. comments are forbidden on this article.)

05.05.11, tampabay.com, Man is hospitalized after jumping from Sunshine Skyway
By Luis Perez, Times Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG — A man who had been arguing with his girlfriend in a car jumped off the Sunshine Skyway bridge Thursday night — and survived the fall.
Firefighters aboard a St. Petersburg Fire and Rescue boat rescued the 21-year-old man about 9:30 p.m. He was taken to Bayfront Medical Center, said Lt. Joel Granata, a fire department spokesman.
His name and his condition were not available.
Granata said the man's girlfriend dialed 911 from atop the bridge's center span about 8:40 p.m. She told dispatchers that she and her boyfriend had been arguing while she was driving north over the bridge. He asked her to stop, which she did, Granata said.
The man said something about going to the bathroom and walked away from the car. Then he jumped, Granata said.
The fall from the highest point of the center span is nearly 200 feet. The fall from the very top takes a person to a speed of about 75 mph; the impact with the water occurs in 3.5 seconds.
According to a St. Petersburg Times story from 2009, more than 130 people had died jumping from the bridge since it opened in 1987. About a dozen others had survived the fall.
Granata said rescuers found the man on some rocks below the bridge. He said the man either swam to the rocks or was pushed by the current. Two divers swam to the rocks, put the man in a flotation device and brought him to the rescue vessel, Granata said.
Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over that part of the bridge, confirmed they were investigating a case in which a man who had been with his girlfriend jumped from the bridge and survived. (thanks to Jennifer in Milwaukee. many retarded comments follow the article. maybe tbo.com is right to refuse comments. while we are not for censorship, the grade-school playground mentality of the commenteers is an exhausting read.) here is one worth reading:
05.06.11, ImBack, Funny. How it actually went down on the scanner was completely different than this reporter got it. ... When the call came in and the approximately 15 units responded, they first checked the rocks with flood lights and thermal scopes. Nothing. A few minutes later, they found the "body"... THEIR words and sent additional boats out to gather the 'remains'. They moved his body to the rocks for so they could get him in the boat and take him to O'Neills. This all came over the EMS scanner. Perhaps the story changed after the fact and they found him to still be alive. I don't know. But as it went down, in real time, that is what came across the air.

05.06.11, tampabay.com, Man who survived Sunshine Skyway jump expected to be released from hospital
By Emily Nipps, Times Staff Writer
ST. PETERSBURG - A 21-year-old man who jumped off the Sunshine Skyway Thursday night was in stable condition and expected to be released from the hospital Friday, a Hillsborough County Sheriff's spokesman said.
The man could receive psychiatric treatment under the Baker Act, so authorities could not release the man's name due to medical privacy laws, said spokesman Larry McKinnon.
Authorities said the man was arguing with his girlfriend in a car when he asked her to stop, said something about needing to relieve himself and jumped off the bridge, authorities said.
The girlfriend called 911 from atop the bridge's center span about 8:40 p.m.
Firefighters rescued the man about 9:30 p.m. and he was taken to Bayfront Medical Center with minor injuries. The fall from the highest point of the center span is nearly 200 feet. Someone falling from the top reaches a speed of about 75 mph and hits the water in 3.5 seconds.
More than 130 people have died jumping from the bridge since it opened in 1987. About a dozen others survived.
Officials with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, which has jurisdiction over that part of the bridge, were still investigating Friday. (comments follow article.)

other guys that took the same drastic measure to silence the noise of someone else:
09.18.08, Aaron Poindexter had a fight with his girlfriend, no home, no money, and no job. at around 8 p.m., he had a cinder block tied to his leg, positioned on the rail near the skyway's north pier. he was saved to further pose for additional mug shots.
12.29.07, Dustin Benson was fishing with friends, when he was heard arguing with someone on his phone. he started walking up the bridge and eventually jumped off to his death.
05.24.04, David Gonzalez and his girlfriend were arguing while driving on the bridge. he stopped and jumped from center span to his death.
01.24.03, Randy Hover reportedly had "a fight with a girlfriend, then got a speeding ticket, and kept right on driving to the skyway" and jumping to his death.
12.09.99, Kenneth Shroyer was driving northbound on the bridge, stopped the vehicle, started arguing with his female acquaintance, and then jumped over the railing to his death.
11.25.79, Allan Coughlin was arguing with his girlfriend. near the top of the skyway, she stopped the car, he got out and jumped. his body was found 10 days later, washed up on a nearby beach.
10.27.11, sad mother, New York, (05.05.11, 8:00pm, male, no phones, hit water, lived), On May 5.2011 I received the worst call ever from my youngest daughter, she and the boyfriend she adored and we all loved were arguing because he's sister had told him he could never marry my daughter because she is catholic and he is jewish...there had been so many times his sister had tried to interfere in their almost two year relationship. This time my daughter had told him she had enough and on the way back from cinco de mayo dinner instead of going back to college he drove right passed the school, as she cried and told him to please take her back, he contnued to drive as she pleaded with him he drove onto the highway saying he was going to take her to miami. When she continued to cry that she wanted to go back to school he suddenly turned around going back to St.Petersburg and while on the skyway bridge he pulled over and told her he had to relieve himself, he opened the car door as she pulled he's arm and said you can't go to the bathroom here..but he pulled away he walked away as she turned around to see where he was going she saw him jump. she calld 911 right away and they found him he survived, I need the story to be told correctly my daughter was not driving. I later found out that depression runs in he's family and he had been depressed but never told anyone.
open request to this person: care to tell your story?
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05.02.11: internet radio documentary about skyway jumpers.
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04.29.11: suicide threat made, male • from the advisory page
Jerry Beck, about 35
04.29.11, Lois, Tampa, My friend just received a letter (4/29/11) from her missing husband (4/26/11) that states he is going to jump from the Skyway Bridge. They live in Georgia (car broke down on the highway so he is supposedly walking the rest of the way. He is active military. He is about 35 years old, dark hair, military cut, in good physical condition, half Asian. PLEASE stop him if you see him. His name is Jerry and he's the father of 3 wonderful children. He recently returned from Iraq and is having a difficult time with the adjustment. PLEASE HELP!!!
04.29.11, we email reply: "you best contact the sheriff's operations center at 813-247-8200 and tell them this as well. you said his name is jerry. what is his last name, that might help".
we receive:

04.29.11, Lois, Tampa, JERRY BECK---the Army is NOT looking for him---they are NO HELP!
(jerry turned up a couple weeks later, alive and well.)
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04.28.11: jumper, 7:04pm, female, hit water, died, body found same day
Laura J. Hagerman, 52
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
04.28.11, Zolter, At 7:04pm today, Pinellas County Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a Caucasian female who was reported to have jumped from the bridge in the Southbound lanes. Multiple calls received from passersby. One called is reporting that she can be seen in the water. Units enroute.

04.28.11, GP, St Pete, (04.28.11, 07:09pm), USCG broadcasting person in the water under the Skyway Bridge later: Tampa Fire Rescue and USCG Small boat conversation confirmed person dead in the water at this time. 726pm

04.28.11, Joe R., facebook, 7:41 pm Female body recovered D.O.A.

04.28.11, Brad B., facebook, yep, saw the abandoned car, and the state trooper looking over the edge.

(any more info is welcome. thanks to steven h. on facebook.)
04.28.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON, SKYWAY BG, 1909, 2229, 3h20m

04.29.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Sunshine Skyway Bridge Suicide
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue recover body. Thursday, April 28, 2011, Time: 7:10 PM
Laura Hagerman, DOB 10-20-58, Thonotosassa, FL.
At approximately 7:10 p.m. Florida Highway Patrol notified the Sheriff's Office of a jumper off the Skyway Bridge. The victim had drove to the southbound span of the Skyway parked her vehicle and jumped. Her body was recovered by St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and taken to O'Neill’s Marina.
04.28.11, tampabay.com, Body of woman who may have jumped from Sunshine Skyway found.
ST. PETERSBURG — St. Petersburg Fire Rescue recovered the body of a woman who may have jumped from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge Thursday night.
The unidentified remains were taken to O'Neill's Marina in St. Petersburg before being turned over to other officials, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Authorities received a report of someone jumping from the bridge at 7:10 p.m. comments follow article. such as:
Andy721 Apr 29, 2011 5:53 PM, This person was my Aunt, her name is Laura Hagerman. RIP :(
04.29.11, Tori M., facebook, RIP Laura !10/20/1958-04/28/2011 you were a wonderful friend and amazing mother, you're beautiful smile is in our hearts forever. </3 i love my little family !

04.30.11, Nichole C., facebook, You are truely missed Laura, may you be at peace...I close my eyes and see your smiling face from the first day I met you 19 years ago to the last time I saw you a few months ago. You were truely a remarkabke person and I am forever greatful to have had you in my life. RIP my dear friend.

09.26.11, HillsCo, Tampa, FL., What's great is knowing that tax payers were responsible for covering her final expense. I see she had family that supposedly loves and misses her....but they couldn't pay for the cremation. Thanks to Hillsborough County tax payers this sad soul had a proper disposal.
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04.22.11: jumper, 3:00pm, male, hit water, died, body found same day
Carl Kuttler III, 43
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
04.22.11, Zolter, FD dispatched to jumper off Skyway North Bound. FHP confimed subject jumped and hit the water. Units responding. later: Subject picked up by small boat under the bridge. Boat being asked to report to O'Neills marina. They are not familar with location of marina. On phone with FD. Subject with no pulse. All units heading the O'Neills marina later: Instuctions were being given to small boat occupants on the performance of CPR. Rescue boat did arrive and is currently enroute to boat ramp. later: Subject has been declared deceased due to unsurvivable trauma (3:08pm).

04.22.11, Tom, Riverview, Fl., (04.22.11, 1500pm, bodyfound), I was monitoring Channel 16 from my houseboat on 04/22/2011 @ 1500 hours Coast Guard sent out a call for vessels to be on lookout for a person in the water near the bridge. St. Pete radioed that a good sam had the individual then @ 1508 reported they had the subject and was enroute to a marina.

04.22.11, Mel, P Park, FL., (04.22.11, 3pm), driving across Skyway and saw police activity on bridge and sheriffs boat towing small boat with what appeared to be a yellow body bag in it with authorities looking down at it.

04.22.11, Jane D., Largo, Fl., Around 3pm 4/22/2011 i was heading south on the skyway and there was an abandoned newer looking silver infiniti fx type suv parked on the north bound lanes of the skyway bridge. I crossed back over the skyway north bound around 5pm and the car along with a couple of state troopers was still there.

04.22.11, bob, bradenton, (04.22.11, 2:25pm, male, used phones, died), Got to work with everyone amazed I made it on time man jumped 10 min after I drove past him. Looked like mid 20's - 30 year old white male.

04.23.11, Autumn K., Tampa, FL., (04.22.11, 2:40pm, male, hit water, died, bodyfound), My husband saw a lot of police activity on the bridge yesterday afternoon, including law enforcement helicopters and cars.

04.23.11, Hambonesmom, facebook, Yesterday As I drove over the Skyway bridge yesterday afternoon, I saw a man sitting on the wall of the bridge talking on the phone. It looked like his car was broken down and he was calling for help. As I continued, I heard the sirens coming over the bridge and now realize that I witnessed this man shear moments before his jump to his death. How tragic......I am haunted by the fact that had I known what he was doing, I (or another driver) could have intervened to stop him. Shows you the long range effects that a person's suicide can have on the people around them, even if they are strangers. The saying that "no man is an island" truly applies here. My prayers go out to the family. May he rest in peace.

(any more info is welcome. thanks to Mary Jane in Tampa, Tonya in St Pete, MrEdward2 in Bradenton, FL., Patrick A. in Tampa, BH in St Petersburg)
04.22.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, DECEASED PERSON,  SKYWAY BG, 1431, 1947, 5h16m

04.25.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Sunshine Skyway Bridge Suicide
Hillsborough County Sheriff's Detectives have confirmed the identity of the victim that jumped from the Skyway Bridge. Friday, April 22, 2011, Time: 2:40 PM, Victim: Carl Kuttler, III DOB 04/17/68, Pinellas Park, FL., Details: Kuttler drove to the center span of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, parked his 2006 Infinity and walked to the side of the bridge and jumped. The body was recovered by a boater and turned over to the Coast Guard where it was then transported to O'Neills Marina. Next of kin has been notified.
04.22.11, tampabay.com, Son of former SPC president jumps from Sunshine Skyway bridge, Times staff
TAMPA — The son of the former president of St. Petersburg College jumped to his death from the Sunshine Skyway bridge Friday afternoon, Hillsborough sheriff's deputies said.
Carl Kuttler III, 43, of Pinellas Park parked his 2006 Infiniti on the median of the bridge and jumped at 2:40 p.m., deputies said.
Kuttler's father, Carl Kuttler Jr., was the president of St. Petersburg College from 1978 until he retired on Dec. 31, 2009.
"St. Petersburg College is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Carl Kuttler III," SPC president Bill Law said in a statement. "Carl Kuttler Jr. has many friends and former colleagues who will be thinking of him and his family at this most difficult time."
Kuttler called Bay News 9 anchor Al Ruechel moments before he jumped and told him of his intentions, the station reported.
The station called 911 while Ruechel urged Kuttler not to jump.
Ruechel said the call cut off after about 40 seconds. Kuttler was no longer on the bridge when authorities arrived. A boater found his body in Tampa Bay.
"When these kind of things happen, you think you can control it and do something about it. You're going to say a word that's going to stop it," Ruechel said. "Sometimes it doesn't happen that way. And we're just sad for the family."
Ruechel said Kuttler had done kitchen work for him. In the late 1990s, Kuttler founded Kuttler Kitchens, which has an office in Pinellas Park. (comments follow story. thanks to Will in Largo)
04.22.11, baynews9.com, ST PETERSBURG -- The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has confirmed Carl Kuttler III, the son of former St. Petersburg College president, Carl Kuttler Jr, took his life by jumping off the Skyway Bridge.
The incident occurred around 2:40 p.m.
Suicides on the bridge are not generally covered by Bay News 9, unless there is an unusual circumstance, but today Bay News 9 was put in a difficult position, making us part of this tragic story.
Kuttler III called Bay News 9's Al Ruechel just moments before he said he was going to jump off the Skyway Bridge.
Bay News 9 immediately called 911, while Kuttler III was still on the phone with Al.
Moments later, police responded to the scene but got there just as it happened.
   image from baynews9.com
Carl Kuttler III
"When these kind of things happen, you think you can control it and do something about it. You're going to say a word that's going to stop it," Al said. "Sometimes it's doesn't happen that way. And we're just sad for the family."
A body was recovered shortly after afterward and taken to O'Neal's Marina.
Kuttler III was born and raised in the St. Petersburg area and has worked in the building industry more than 15 years. He was the owner of Kuttler Kitchens. (thanks to Carrie W. in Pinellas Park and Autumn K. Tampa)

04.22.11, tbo.com, Man jumps to death from Sunshine Skyway
TAMPA - The son of longtime St. Petersburg College President Carl M. Kuttler Jr. jumped to his death today from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Police said Carl Kuttler III, of Pinellas Park, drove his 2006 Infinity to the bridge's center span at about 2:40 p.m., parked, walked to the guardrail and jumped.
The college released a statement saying it "is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Carl M. Kuttler III. We extend our condolences and offer our deepest sympathy to the Kuttler family."
Kuttler's body was recovered by a boater and turned over to the Coast Guard and transported to O'Neill's Marina.
Officials with Bay News 9 said Kuttler was on the telephone with anchor Al Ruechel about 40 seconds before jumping. (thanks to Mike W. in St Pete)

04.22.11, blog.interstate275florida.com, Another sad day on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge
Writing a blog entry like this is a rare occurrence here at the Interstate 275 Blog. However, I was saddened when I came across this article in today's st. petersburg times that involved someone who jumped from the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. It turned out to be the son of former St. Petersburg College President Dr. Carl Kuttler Jr., Carl Kuttler III.
What makes it more saddening is that it took place on a religious holiday before Easter, which is Good Friday. According to the st. petersburg times article, Dr. Kuttler's son contacted Bay News 9's Al Ruechel who, in turn, alerted authorities. At least Bay News 9 did everything they could as it tried to stop a suicide that was about to take place on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Being a St. Petersburg College alumnus (Class of 1987, back when it was called St. Petersburg Junior College), I remember the night when I walked the stage at the graduation ceremony held at the Bayfront Center in downtown St. Petersburg. As I walked the stage, I remember the moment I shook Dr. Kuttler's hand and received my associate's degree. After all, receiving my degree was one of my most important achievements setting the stage for what would be my eventual employment by the City of St. Petersburg four months later.
My condolences go out to Dr. Kuttler and his family in this utmost hour of sorrow. And a word of gratitude goes out to Al Ruechel at Bay News 9 for trying to stop a serious situation out there on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge.
Because of the events that transpired on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge involving a suicide, I am reprinting part of a blog entry that I had here at the Interstate 275 Blog on this subject. If you or a loved one you know is in crisis, help is out there.
Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem. There is help out there.
If you or someone you know is going through a crisis situation, here in the Tampa Bay metropolitan area dial 211 for information and referral to someone who can help. If you reside elsewhere, check your local telephone directory for the crisis intervention number in your area. However, in an extreme emergency you can always dial 911. Another resource would be the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, which can be reached toll free at 1 (800) 273-TALK 24/7/365.
For our Spanish speaking visitors: Para ayuda llame al 1 (888) 628-9454.
On the Sunshine Skyway Bridge there are a set of crisis counseling telephones mounted on the high level main span, three on the southbound lanes and three on the northbound lanes. Below these phones is a sign written in English and in Spanish that reads: "There is hope - make the call". These phones connect the caller to The Crisis Center of Tampa Bay in Tampa and the counselor answering the phone can immediately pinpoint where the caller is located so that a Florida Highway Patrol trooper can be dispatched to the caller's location on the Sunshine Skyway. After all, time is very crucial in an emergency situation.
After all, help is out there.
04.23.11, Donna S. D., facebook, Today I'm glad that I remember my past. I worked briefly for the family when I was 17; my duties included minding Carl III and his sisters. I lost a brother to suicide, too. The only thing more devastating than that is to lose a child to suicide. My heart and my prayers go out to the family.
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04.10.11: possible jumper
04.10.11, Hillsborough Sheriff SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 2110, 2306, 1h56m

any more info is welcome.
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03.21.11: possible save, 12:00pm, male, stopped from jumping
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
03.22.11, Christol, Atlanta, GA., (03.21.11, Chris [last name withheld]), I have been told that he attempted to jump yesterday. This is my ex-husband and I would like to know all of the details you can find out. He has custody of our daughter and she is 14. This is not a safe environment for her to be living in. PLEASE let me know what you can find out through police incident reports or anything of that nature.,THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!

03.22.11, Stephanie, Atlanta, GA., (03.21.11, 12:00pm, male, was stopped from jumping), This man is my ex-husband and I am trying to find out more details. He tried to jump and was stopped yesterday. Please let me know what you know about this. The police were called and I want a copy of their statement or if it will be published in the newspapers in Florida. (did this guy have 2 ex-wives or is it one using two names? normally, when someone makes a suicide attempt or a serious threat of one, the person gets hauled away for mental evaluation. it becomes a medical situation and no public information is expected. unless we get further witness reports or a blurb in the press, this is about all we will have.)

any more info is welcome.
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03.20.11: possible jumper, around 3:00pm
thank you, jumpnews reporter:
03.22.11, Evan S., facebook, I was headed northbound around 3pm Sunday and there were emergency vehicles with lights flashing on southbound side, and two officers looking over the side of the bridge on northbound side...

any more info is welcome.
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03.10.11: jumper, 2:30am, male, hit rocks, died, body found same day
Stanley J. Pawlosky Jr., 51
thank you, jumpnews reporters:
03.10.11, Joe, Sarasota, fl., (03.10.11, 5am, hit water), Came over bridge and lots or rescue vehicles were at top by phone and 6 or 7 boats with blue lights were below searching. Small car was at top with open door. Don't know anything else.

03.10.11, Paul S., Sarasota, FL., (03.10.11, 4am), Jumper and associated police activity reported by CH8 and CH13 traffic reporters. Cameras were showing several emergency vehicles at the top of the Skyway and were reporting a jumper.

(any more info is welcome. thanks also to Waterfrontray in Palm Harbor)
03.10.11, Hillsborough Sheriff, SUICIDE ATTEMPT, SKYWAY BG, 0239, 1714, 14h35m

03.10.11, hcso.tampa.fl.us, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Suicide, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Dive Team recover body, March 10, 2011, Time: 2:37 AM, Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Deceased: Stanley Pawlosky, Jr. DOB 7-6-59, Clearwater, Florida
Details: Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office responded to the Sunshine Skyway Bridge on March 10, 2011 at approximately 2:37 a.m. in reference to a jumper. Florida Highway Patrol originally responded to the bridge in reference to an abandoned vehicle. St. Petersburg Fire Rescue located the body and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office dive team responded and recovered the body.
03.10.11, tampabay.com, Clearwater man latest Sunshine Skyway suicide,
By Ileana Morales, Staff Writer
Authorities identified the man who jumped to his death from the center of the Sunshine Skyway bridge early Thursday morning as Stanley Pawlosky Jr. of Clearwater.
Divers recovered Pawlosky's body, which landed on rocks under the bridge, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Pawlosky, 51, of [address withheld], apparently drove to the center of the bridge and jumped around 2:30 a.m., the Sheriff's Office said.
Deputies were alerted to the suicide after a Florida Highway Patrol trooper responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle.
The span is 197 feet high at the center.
The Sunshine Skyway is the nation's fourth-most-frequent suicide bridge. At least 81 people have jumped off the bridge in the past decade. Eleven survived. (the usual collection of mostly stupid comments follow the article.)

here are a few of the better comments from the story:

03.10.11, Tampa Law Dog, It's truly unfortunate that some people get a point to where they can't see any other way out. It's almost as unfortunate that some people have become so cynical that all they can do is crack jokes about a person's (and now a family's) suffering. Good vibes and prayers for those left behind who have to deal with this.
03.10.11, Matthew44, The ultimate personal, soul-searching agony someone must be feeling to decide to leave this world like this is a testament to the depth of human suffering. God bless this person and their family.
03.10.11, firemanpropertythief, Dear Family, I am so very sorry for this sad loss of life. Whatever the nature please know they never thought of hurting you but only to fix what was wrong. Much love to you all.
03.11.11, Ginr1220, Some of you should be ashamed of yourself, I pray I am the only friend of Stan to see some of these comments. For everyone who offered condolences thank you for your thoughts and prayers. For everyone else since you are so curious my friend Stan who was one of the most caring wonderful people I have ever had the pleasure of knowing was diagnosed with lung cancer and has been battling the disease for quite some time. He just entered stage 4 before the holidays. The treatments are painful and made him very sick. As for his financial issues, since you are all so concerned, it is very hard to work when your body is so beat down from chemotherapy. And before anyone starts the "smokers deserve cancer" crap he NEVER smoked a day in his life geniuses. I pray for your humanity.
03.11.11, riley09, Ginr1220 and Grannyinfla, i would like to thank you for the kind words! this is a member of his family. it is disgusting that people find themselves amusing by placing comments on here that are so hurtful and ignorant! My uncle was the kindest most loving person you will ever know! it makes me sick that some people on here can post such comments on here! think of his family and friends that love him so much before you start putting such ignorant disrespectful comments on here! until you know someone you will never know what their life was like nor what kind of person someone truly is/was! he will be remembered and loved FOREVER! Rest in peace your family and friends love you very much!
03.11.11, Trish71699FL2, I knew Stan personally and considered him a lovely friend. It saddens me to see how many people comment nasty things about someone who "cant face life anymore" Man's inhumanity to man is becoming all to common anymore in the way they treat people and comment on their hardships. My love, prayers and deepest sympathy to Stan and his family.
03.12.11, AmyD012689, For the sake of my family, please everyone just stop putting his financial, health, and any other personal things you know about my uncle out there. I am his niece and you never know who is looking at this and how it affects us. He was a wonderful man yes, and will never be forgotten, but until it's someone close to you, I guess you'll never know how it makes you feel. Thank you everyone for your uplifting comments, and the family appreciates people like you. This is my first and final post.
(try to not give too much credence to the comments found after most any news article on most any news website. they tend to be from trolls with nothing much going on in their lives. looking for attention, they will say anything to get it, and it works.)
 Stanley J. Pawlosky Jr. Stanley J. Pawlosky Jr.

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mydeathspace.com
03.13.11, facebook, Pat M., I have an issue with "friends and family" of jumpers posting on news sites condemning comments posted (ie, SPTimes re: Stanley). If my uncle or best friend had just jumped off the Skyway, think I'd be grieving or consoling those closer to Stanley than myself, versus trolling and posting on websites. Where were they when Stanley needed help? He had health issues (and financial), but with a support group of friends and family, these things don't happen. People give off signals...apparently no one was around to listen or didn't care? Am I off the map in my thinking? (this jumper event aside, it has been our experience that many times, the suicidal person gives no clear clue as to suicide intention. they may be ill, depressed, or otherwise contemplating, but no one is the wiser. some people do not wish to burden others with their personal issues and will not ask for, nor accept help from others. generally speaking, we also know family dysfunction can be bad enough, that the very people driving one to suicide, have no idea they are doing so, and will defend against the idiot comments we find on these websites, as well as this website. families are funny that way. they can be the best thing in your life and they can be what drive you insane. we think the helplessness or guilt family and friends may feel about the suicide event, could both be the impetus to write in defense of their family member or friend. it would be hard to read such negative statements made about someone we love and not have the desire to strike back. you should maybe consider all that and allow for their reaction.)
    it appears mr. pawlosky may have jumped due to his extreme health decline and no doubt the pain and suffering that came with it. how are we a society that refuses humans the right to chose our life's end with assistance from professionals, with dignity and privacy, as opposed to allowing those that truly need it, to seek it out on their own by throwing oneself onto the rocks from a bridge? how can this be justified? this is truly sad.
 
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