Secondary school boys praised for stopping suicidal woman from jumping off bridge
Words: Lauren Holter
A secondary school volleyball team saw a woman attempting to jump off the Stanislaus Bridge in Fresno, California in the US while jogging last Thursday, and they immediately stepped in.
The students asked her not to give up, the Kepler Neighborhood School wrote on Facebook.
“She was like, one hand, and feet hanging already,” Brandy Ezell, one of the boys, told the local ABC 7 News.
The team members told their coach, Elliot Murray, to call 911 and the woman eventually pulled herself up off the edge of the bridge.
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Police lieutenant Mark Hudson told the Fresno Bee that the 47-year-old woman had wanted to die by suicide and was placed on a mental health evaluation hold for 72 hours.
Members of Kepler School’s Volleyball team helped save a life. During practice Thursday afternoon, the students acted…
Posted by Kepler Neighborhood School on Friday, April 5, 2019
“These young men stepped up when no one else could,” Timothy Yeager, Kepler School’s director of student services, said in a statement posted to Facebook. “Words fail to do justice [to] how incredibly proud we are of these Kepler scholars and Coach Elliot’s leadership.”
The school’s post added that the students said they’re thankful they were there at the right time and that they’ll never forget that day.
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One of the boys’ mothers commented that she’s “so proud of all of them,” and other community members said the same.
“In a world where people are more out to just film it and do nothing, you did not,” one person wrote. “Right on to all of you. You are how the world should be.”
“Our future is bright! Real love and empathy. Good job boys!” another person commented.
If you or someone you know are experiencing suicidal thoughts, call the Samaritans helpline on 116 123 for free, or visit the Samaritans website.
