Man Survives Jump from Mid-Hudson Bridge, Struggles with Rescuers During River Rescue

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY – A dramatic rescue unfolded Friday afternoon when a man jumped from the Ulster County side of the Mid-Hudson Bridge into the Hudson River, prompting a swift response from multiple emergency agencies.

Around 2 p.m., a 911 dispatcher alerted the Town of Lloyd Police Department that a man was standing on the bridge and appeared to be contemplating a 135-foot plunge into the water below. Officers were en route when the man jumped.

Eyewitnesses near the bridge quickly spotted the man floating southward with the river’s current. His presence in the water triggered an immediate multi-agency rescue operation.

The City of Poughkeepsie Fire Department launched its jet boat, Marine One, from Shadows Marina. Within moments of hitting the water, firefighters reached the man and pulled him aboard. At the time of the rescue, he was conscious but quickly became combative with first responders attempting to bring him to safety.

Despite initial resistance, the man calmed down about halfway to the shore. Upon arrival at Waryas Park on the east side of the bridge, he was secured onto a stretcher and prepared for transport. Several diners at the nearby Goddess Restaurant observed the incident unfold from the waterfront.

The rescue drew additional attention due to the presence of State Police aviation and marine units already in the area for training exercises. These units joined the mission, along with a marine unit from the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office. Their coordinated efforts added to the already sizable emergency response at the scene.

City of Poughkeepsie Police and Town of Lloyd Police also converged at Waryas Park to assist in transferring the man from the fireboat to an ambulance. By this time, he had regained composure and was cooperating with responders.

He was placed into an Empress EMS ambulance and transported to a local hospital for medical evaluation.

Authorities have not released the man’s identity. The incident remains under review, and no further details were immediately available regarding his condition or motives.