The Tennessee Highway Patrol and multiple agencies rescued a woman who was standing on the ledge of an I-81 bridge over the Holston River the day after Christmas. Responders—including seven THP units, county police, EMS, TDOT crews, State Parks teams and the TWRA—worked together to de-escalate the situation. An officer approached from behind and pulled the woman safely away; she was later taken by ambulance. The agency reminded the public that the holidays can be hard and urged anyone in crisis to seek help via 988 or 1-800-273-TALK.
Tennessee Highway Patrol, Multiple Agencies Rescue Woman From I-81 Bridge Day After Christmas
Tennessee Highway Patrol officers rescued a woman who was considering jumping from a bridge on Dec. 26, 2025.
Trigger warning: This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) immediately.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol says officers and multiple local agencies rescued a woman who was reportedly contemplating jumping from a bridge on southbound Interstate 81 in Sullivan County the day after Christmas.
A woman was seen on the ledge of a bridge in Sullivan County, Tennessee, on Dec. 26, 2025.
In footage shared on the agency's Facebook page, the woman is seen standing on the bridge ledge near the 60-mile marker overlooking the Holston River. The Tennessee Highway Patrol described her as being in a "dark place," and said responders worked together to de-escalate the situation and keep her safe.
"Because people showed up and worked together, she is alive tonight," the Tennessee Highway Patrol said in a statement.
Responders on scene included seven Tennessee Highway Patrol units, two Sullivan County units, the Kingsport Police Department, Sullivan County EMS, two Tennessee Department of Transportation crews, teams from Tennessee State Parks, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), which positioned an agent in a boat below the bridge as a safety precaution.
A sign for the 988 Lifeline mental health emergency hotline is seen in Walnut Creek, California, on Dec. 20, 2024.
The video shows officers engaging the woman calmly while attempting to de-escalate. Moments later, an officer approached from behind and safely pulled her away from the edge. She was later placed on a gurney and transported by ambulance, with medical personnel providing care.
The Tennessee Highway Patrol emphasized that the holidays can be especially difficult: many people carry unseen burdens such as stress, grief, loneliness and fear. The agency urged anyone who is struggling to seek help and encouraged the public to check on friends and loved ones.
"If you know someone who might be hurting, check on them. A call, a text, or simply asking how they are doing can make more difference than you realize," the statement read. "Today ended with a life saved. That matters."
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