Correction appended.
A man died after witnesses said he leapt off the Taos Gorge Bridge on US 64 north of Taos on Wednesday (Dec. 27).
Taos County Undersheriff Jerry Hogrefe said the man jumped from the bridge shortly before noon on Wednesday, at which time witnesses alerted a security guard.
"We don't have a positive ID," Hogrefe said, adding that the man appeared to have left a note signed with his first name and details indicating the incident was likely a "destination suicide."
"We suspect it was a guy from New Jersey who flew into Denver and rented a car," Hogrefe said.
Law enforcement closed the bridge to traffic for several hours after arriving at the scene, and returned Thursday morning (Dec. 28) to conduct a recovery operation. The bridge and the Rio Grande Gorge Rest Area was closed to traffic between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Thursday.
After arrival and initial investigation, it was determined that witnesses had seen a male jump over the railing; the decedent was located a short time later, according to a press release from the Sheriff's Office. Due to the late afternoon and high canyon winds, plans for the descent and recovery were made for the following morning.
The man's body was recovered without incident below the bridge, which spans the top of the 600-foot deep Taos Gorge and Rio Grande River. The Office of the Medical Investigator in Albuquerque will determine man's identity.
"We do tend to see a higher suicide rate and mental health calls in December," Hogrefe said, adding that he wishes everyone a safe New Year's holiday.
"Hopefully we all make wise decisions," he said.
“The Taos County Sheriff’s Office and all emergency responders want to remind everyone that the Holidays can be difficult times for those struggling with depression or hardships,” the department said in a press release. "Help is just a call away and any one of us will gladly meet, talk, and/or support you.”
The New Mexico Crisis Hotline is available 24/7. Dial 988 for free, private, and confidential support.
How to get help
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe depression or has thoughts of suicide, call one of the following numbers, staffed 24 hours a day, to get help:
• National suicide hotlines: 800-784-2433 (800-SUICIDE) or 800-273-8255 (800-273-TALK)
• New Mexico Crisis and Access Line: 855-622-7474 (855-NMCRISIS)
• Santa Fe Community Guidance Center crisis line: 505-820-6333 or 888-920-6333
A prior version of this story incorrectly stated that the bridge is located on NM 68. We regret the error.
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