Four State Troopers' heroic actions saved the life of a young female in Henderson County on Tuesday, Feb. 14. Trooper Christopher Jeffries was on routine patrol when he was approached by a motorist advising him they had observed a young female, possibly in her twenties, standing on the overpass of U.S. 25 which crosses over I-26. Trooper Jeffries immediately traveled to the location where he located the female, obviously distraught, standing on the southbound side of the U.S. 25 overpass.
After contacting Highway Patrol Communications requesting assistance from fellow patrol members, Jefferies approached the female. Seeing the female was upset and crying profusely, Jefferies engaged in conversation with her, attempting to calm her down. At one point during the conversation, the female sat down on the edge of the bridge while conversing with Jeffries. While attempting to develop a sense of security for the female, Jeffries stooped to both knees while continuously talking to her.
Placing his own life at risk, Jeffries seized an opportunity to grab the female’s arm to keep her from falling. Trooper Mark Corbin, who had heard the call for assistance, arrived on scene and assisted Jeffries by pulling the female to safety. Troopers Haley Onderdonk and Kyle Smith stopped the westbound traffic on I-26 during the incident. The female was placed into the custody of the Henderson County Sheriff’s Office where she was provided further assistance.
“The selfless acts of heroism demonstrated by these troopers make me proud to be a member of this fine organization”, said Colonel Glenn McNeill, commander of the State Highway Patrol. “Each day, officers across our country voluntarily place themselves in danger to save the life of another.”