Half-Dozen Trucks Line Up Under Overpass To Keep Distraught Man from Jumping
“It haunts me to this day.”
Pain crossed the truck driver’s eyes as he told a traffic school class about one of the most horrific nights of his career.
The man had been working, driving on a Phoenix freeway in his very heavy semi-truck when a man deliberately ran in front of the truck, intent on ending his life.
The truck driver could not stop in time, and driving conditions were too dangerous for him to swerve.
But he vividly remembered the moment his eyes met those of the suicide-runner. He saw desperation, he saw angst, and then — it was all over.
The incident had taken place more than 20 years ago, the driver explained, tears welling in his eyes. He’s still haunted.
Stories like that make me particularly proud of the unity that a half-dozen semi-truck drivers showed on behalf of a man who attempted to commit suicide by jumping from an overpass in Orlando, Florida.
The Florida Highway Patrol released a photo of the trucks lined up side-by-side, positioned to limit the distance the man would have to fall, should he decide to jump.
A portion of the Florida Turnpike was closed as police tried to intervene.
Video footage showed personnel on the ground and on top of the overpass, all hoping the man’s life would be saved.
Around 3:00 p.m. on Aug. 28, the Orlando Police Department said the man was safe. He was taken off the overpass, and presumably, on his way to get some help.
Comments of support and praise for the truck drivers have flooded the internet. Many have shared their own stories of a time someone stepped in at just the right moment to save a life.
“If that doesn’t say ‘your life is valuable,’ I don’t know what does,” commented one Facebook user. “GREAT job to ALL the truckers for caring and keeping America going!!!”
The Orlando Police Department has also extended an official thank-you to the drivers involved, according to WESH2 News.
Hopefully, this man will soon be on his way to recovery. He already has a team of online supporters cheering him on.
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