Suicide is always preventable. If you are having thoughts of suicide or feeling suicidal, please call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline immediately at 800-273-8255. Counselors are also available to chat at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org. Remember: You deserve to be supported, and it is never too late to seek help. Speak with someone today.
By Ashley Silver
Police1
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A photo is going viral on social media, shining a light on the moment a Memphis police officer was able to convince a 17-year-old to step away from a bridge’s edge.
FOX 13 Memphis reported that a Memphis patrol officer responded to a person standing alone at the edge of a bridge overlooking the Mississippi River. After speaking with the individual, Officer Shaw learned the 17-year-old was contemplating jumping off the bridge due in part to the stress of becoming a new father.
The officer spoke to the 17-year-old for over 15 minutes.
“Being a mother, Officer Shaw talked to him and understood his stress. Officer Shaw convinced him to hold on to her while she helped him to safety,” the department wrote on Facebook.
A photo of the two hugging has since gone viral. “After he was pulled from the ledge, they hugged, and Officer Shaw told him, ‘Things will get better.’ He thanked her for being there and helping him,” the department’s post said.