A suicidal female was rescued by Long Beach Fire Department (LBFD) personnel Sunday evening, authorities said.
The female, whose age has not been released, was found on the Artesia Bridge at the 91 Freeway around 5:00PM by LBFD personnel, said LBFD spokesman Jake Heflin.
“At the time of the fire on Brayton Avenue, Engine 24 was flagged down by a passerby at the LA River,” Heflin said. “Units found a female sitting on the guardrail threatening to jump.”
Units talked to the woman briefly, and she attempted to climb over the guardrail to get back to safety when she slipped. She caught the side of the bridge, and was hanging by one hand.
“She said her hand was going numb,” Heflin said. “The firefighter who was talking to her was able to grab her by the wrist. He and the rest of the crew pulled her to safety.”
The fall would have been between 30 and 40 feet, added LBFD spokesman Brian Fisk.
“The guys made a very aggressive rescue,” Fisk said. “They risked their lives to get to her and pull her up without any regards to their own safety.”
No further information is available, but the Long Beach Post is working with the LBFD to learn more. We will update this story when we have more details.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255.