A coordinated response by law enforcement and emergency agencies helped save a woman’s life after she was found in distress on a Tennessee bridge the day after Christmas.
On Dec. 26, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers were dispatched to the 60-mile-marker bridge along Interstate 81 in Sullivan County after reports of a woman in distress. The bridge overlooks the Holston River, and when officers arrived, the woman was standing on the concrete barrier above the water.
Video later shared by the department shows the tense moments as troopers and others on scene tried to speak with her. She appeared hesitant, listening as people urged her to step back. When she leaned forward as if she might jump, a trooper moved quickly, reaching out and pulling her back to safety.
(Courtesy of Tennessee Highway Patrol)
“A woman was in a dark place and was considering jumping,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol said in a statement. “Because people showed up and worked together, she is alive tonight.”
What followed was the result of a broad, coordinated effort. Multiple Tennessee Highway Patrol units were joined by Sullivan County agencies, the Kingsport Police Department, Sullivan County EMS and TDOT crews. Officers from Tennessee State Parks and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency also assisted, including a TWRA agent stationed in a boat below the bridge.
“Different agencies, one mission: save a life. And they did,” the department said.
The trooper who pulled the woman from the ledge was identified as Trooper Jacob Tizzard. He told The Tennessean he was nearby when he heard the dispatcher’s call about a possible jumper and immediately began thinking about how to help.
“How can we help her? How can we talk her down?” he recalled thinking.
Troopers spent more than an hour with the woman, listening as she spoke about the challenges she was facing. Civilians also stopped to help, including a preacher who got out of his car, knelt nearby and prayed for her safety.
Capt. Kevin Kimbrough, who supervised the response, told The Tennessean that he focused on reminding the woman that her life still held possibility.
“Ma’am, you’ve got every opportunity in the world to turn your life around,” Kimbrough recalled telling her. “There’s nothing that you’re facing right now that you can’t fix. There are going to be family and loved ones ripped apart by your actions.”
As the conversation continued, the woman told troopers where her husband could find her car keys. For those on scene, the moment underscored how fragile the situation had become. After receiving a discreet signal from his captain, Tizzard stepped forward. Another trooper held onto his belt as he reached out and pulled the woman away from the barrier.
No one was injured.
Afterward, the Tennessee Highway Patrol reflected not only on the rescue, but on what it represented — especially during a season that can feel heavy for many.
“This time of year can be especially hard,” the department said. “Many people are carrying things no one else can see. Stress, grief, loneliness and fear can pile up fast. That does not mean someone is weak. It means they are human.”
The agency encouraged people to look out for one another and to reach out if they or someone they know is struggling.
“If you are struggling, please hear this: You matter, and help is available,” the statement said.
“Today ended with a life saved,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol added. “That matters.”
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