Wayne County divers recover body in Altamaha River

WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. (WTOC) - Wayne County divers recovered the body of a Jesup man from the Altamaha River on Feb. 23 following a multi-day search that began after witnesses say they saw him jump from a bridge.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the incident began Feb. 21 when a Jesup man wrecked his vehicle on the Highway 84 Bridge at the Long/Wayne County line. Witnesses said the man exited his vehicle, observed the damage, and then jumped off the bridge into the water.

Search and recovery

Game wardens launched two vessels and began searching the Altamaha River. Search efforts continued through Sunday but yielded no results. DNR’s Aviation Unit made several passes along the river while game wardens searched with SONAR equipment from their boats.

At approximately 11:30 a.m. on Feb. 23, DNR said the man’s body was located with SONAR and recovered by Wayne County divers. DNR took the body to a secure boat ramp and turned it over to the coroner.

Georgia DNR said the Camden County Sheriff’s Office and Long County EMA also assisted with the search and recovery.

Warning Signs of Suicide

▪ Talking about wanting to die

▪ Looking for a way to kill oneself

▪ Talking about feeling hopeless or having no purpose

▪ Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain

▪ Talking about being a burden to others

▪ Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs

▪ Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly

▪ Sleeping too little or too much

▪ Withdrawing or feeling isolated

▪ Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge

▪ Displaying extreme mood swings

What to Do

▪ Do not leave the person alone

▪ Remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs, or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt

▪ Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

▪ Take the person to an emergency room, or seek help from a medical or mental health professional

Who Can Help

▪ 988 – The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

o Using 988 is free and confidential. The Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those looking to help someone else. To speak with a trained listener, call 988. You can call or text 988 or visit www.988lifeline.org to chat with a counselor.

▪ The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1

o The Veterans Crisis Line and Military Crisis Line connect veterans and service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.

▪ Crisis Text Line: 741-741

o This free text-message service provides 24/7 support to those in crisis. Text 741-741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor right away.