Authorities, Friend Rescue Man in Crisis from Rochester Bridge

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- First responders rescued a man described to be in crisis from a bridge in Rochester Wednesday evening. 

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Olmsted County Sheriff’s Lt. Malinda Olson said several callers reported seeing a man standing on the outside of the bridge on 48th St. Northwest. near the intersection with West River Rd. The calls came in shortly after 6:30 p.m. 

Olson said responding deputies saw a 19-year-old man standing outside of the guardrails. Officials closed the road and brought in a member of the crisis response team. 

The Rochester Fire Department had dispatched a rescue team and resources below the bridge in about two feet of water. Olson said the man told first responders he was not coming back to the safe side of the bridge and told them to back off. 

A friend of the individual arrived at the scene about two hours into the incident. Olson said the man left the edge of the bridge and returned to safety about 90 minutes after his friend arrived. The individual was then transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for evaluation.

If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, visit the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline website. Resource information is provided for free as well as a chat message service. To speak directly to a professional, call 1-800-273-8255. You are not alone and help is available. Every life is important.