Cold Spring Bridge Death

Santa Barbara- October 8th, 2009

A Ventura County woman was killed early this morning after reportedly jumping off the Cold Spring Bridge on Highway 154.

Just before 1:00am on Thursday, October 8, 2009 Sheriff’s Deputies were notified that witnesses reported seeing a woman near the safety railing in the middle of the Cold Spring Bridge.

When Deputies arrived they found a car parked with its lights on in the northbound lanes in the center of the bridge. They also discovered a small footstool next to the railing.

Their investigation revealed that a 59-year old Santa Paula resident had climbed the stool with the assistance of two canes and jumped to her death. Members of the Volunteer Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team worked in the dark to recover the woman’s body in the steep, treacherous terrain.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to the victim’s family,” said Sheriff Bill Brown. “This is a classic case where a suicide barrier would have saved a life and spared a family from immeasurable grief.”

This is the fifth suicide off the Cold Spring Bridge this year and the 49th since it opened in 1964.

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please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

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