CHP confirms woman jumped to death, police further investigate Atascadero Highway 101 closure on Wednesday
ATASCADERO, Calif. – The California Highway Patrol confirmed the incident that caused the northbound closure on Wednesday afternoon was due to a woman jumping from the Del Rio Road Overcrossing.
"Because this was a suicide and because she was not struck by any vehicles on the freeway, this suicide is being investigated by the Atascadero Police Department," wrote CHP in a follow-up email to the media.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, the national suicide prevention lifeline is available 24/7 via text or call at 988.
CHP reported it reopened all northbound Highway 101 lanes in Atascadero around 12:45 p.m.
Around noon on Wednesday, CHP said it closed all northbound lanes temporarily while officers responded to the scene.
Several CHP units directed traffic off at Del Rio Road.
Later Wednesday afternoon, the Atascadero Police Department issued the following press release:
Atascadero, CA - May 1, 2024 - At approximately 11:37 am, the Atascadero Police Department and the California Highway Patrol were alerted to a distressing event on the Del Rio overpass, involving reports of a female individual jumping onto northbound HWY 101. Officers from the Atascadero Police Department, California Highway Patrol, as well as deputies from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department and personnel from the City of Atascadero Fire Department, responding to the scene.
Upon arrival, authorities discovered a female adult deceased in the northbound lanes of HWY 101, indicating an apparent suicide. Our hearts go out to the individual and their loved ones during this difficult time.
In the interest of a thorough investigation, northbound HWY 101 was temporarily closed for approximately one and a half hours. The identity of the deceased is being withheld at this time, pending notification of next of kin.
The Atascadero Police Department is actively investigating this tragic incident and urges anyone with pertinent information to come forward. If you have any details that could assist in our investigation, please contact the Atascadero Police Department at 805-461-5051.
We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by this unfortunate event.
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