Sunday suicide attempt prevented at Foresthill Bridge

The Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed an individual was helped off the Foresthill Bridge following its closure Sunday. The Sheriff's Office confirmed the bridge was closed to traffic in both directions due to a critical incident at 10:16 a.m. Sgt. David Smith, public information officer for the Sheriff's Office, confirmed the incident was an individual "threatening" to jump off the bridge. "We closed down the bridge so our Crisis Negotiation Team could speak with the subject," Smith said in an email to the Auburn Journal on Monday morning. "Our team was successful in their conversations with the subject, and we were able to get them the necessary assistance." The Auburn-Area CHP confirmed the bridge was closed for an hour. "The incident was brought to a safe conclusion. If you or someone you know needs support, reach out to local helplines. Let's come together as a community during this challenging time," the Auburn-Area CHP said on Facebook. According to Auburn Journal reports, there have been 101 suicides at the bridge since its opening in 1973. One suicide occurred at the Foresthill Bridge in July and there were two in May. Preventive measures at the bridge in recent years have included raising the railing on each side, "Notes of Hope" have been fastened to the railing by volunteers, and phones were installed on the bridge to call a suicide prevention hotline (888-886-5401 and 530-886-5401). Individuals can also contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 9-8-8. Placer residents can access mental health services through 211 Placer by calling 2-1-1 or 1-833-DIAL211 (1-833-342-5211).