May 6, 2007 By Patty Yauger 1 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A Connellsville man was pronounced dead Saturday after he jumped from the Memorial Bridge. Connellsville police Chief Stephen Cooper said the unidentified man was traveling in the northbound lane of Route 119, stopped his vehicle near the middle of the bridge, exited the car, climbed over the railing and plunged to his death.

“It appears he struck some rocks,” said Cooper, estimating the Youghiogheny River was about 18 inches deep where the man landed.

Connellsville police officer Stephen Shaffer and several other passersby entered the waterway at Yough Park and pulled the man to shore, near Crawford’s Cabin, as several people at the park looked on.

Cooper said that Fayette EMS and New Haven Volunteer Fire Co. immediately responded to the 6:41 p.m. call.

“It is a shame,” he said. “It was a beautiful Saturday evening; people were enjoying the park and then had to see something like this happen.’

Officers impounded the man’s vehicle, but did not find any evidence of alcohol or a note explaining his decision, added Cooper.

Fayette County Deputy Coroner Roger Victor pronounced the man dead at approximately 8 p.m.

Authorities were still investigating the incident at presstime.