History: 70 years ago, namesake Jon Bon Jovi did the same thing on the John Seigenthaler Bridge

Editor’s note: This story contains descriptions of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Jon Bon Jovi helped save a woman, but the history of life saving acts on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge dates back 70 years, when John Seigenthaler did the same.

In a video posted by Metro Nashville Police, a woman working on the set of a music video for Bon Jovi noticed the woman on the other side of the railing Tuesday night. She and the rock star both gently approached the woman ultimately helping her back over before sharing a hug.

Jon Bon Jovi helps woman in crisis off bridge ledge in Nashville

While there’s been far more moments of joy along the bridge, it is hard to ignore Bon Jovi’s lifesaving act nearly 70 years to the day since Seigenthaler saved a man.

John Seigenthaler and the bridge

John Seigenthaler is the nameshake of a Nashville bridge where Jon Bon Jovi saved someone earlier this week.
Finished in 1909 the bridge is made from 48 spans including four steel trusses and two reinforced concrete trusses, according to the Nashville Downtown Partnership. In 1998, the bridge was closed to automobile traffic and restored for pedestrian use.

On October 4, 1954, Seigenthaler, long before his storied career at The Tennessean, was a young reporter working the city news desk. A heartbroken man called the newspaper before noon explaining his intentions that day and asked to speak to a reporter. While one reporter called police, Seigenthaler went to the bridge.

While straddling the railing, Seigenthaler spoke with the man who sat upon a gas pipe that ran alongside the bridge. They remained like that for what Seigenthaler thought was 40 minutes. The man stood up, looked to the water and suddenly Seigenthaler grabbed for him. A dozen or more officers then grasped for Seigenthaler pulling both men back to safety.

For that life-saving act, and dedicated service to the people of Nashville, the city renamed the bridge the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in April 2014.

How to help someone in crisis

Helping someone — whether that’s a friend, family member or stranger — through a crisis begins with clear communication, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“It is essential they feel heard and understood, so make sure to give them your undivided attention,” the alliance said. “This is more than just listening, but also using body language, like eye contact, to show how you’re listening.”

It is ok to ask if the person is thinking about or wants to harm themselves, the alliance said. Knowing the answers to those questions can better inform next steps.

“If you feel that you are not able to de-escalate the person in crisis without additional support, call someone. You don’t need to do this alone,” the alliance said.