Man jumps from overpass; dies from injuries

Published 10:49 am Wednesday, December 21, 2016

: Vicksburg first responders inspect the site of where an unidentified man jumped from the Halls Ferry bridge onto Interstate 20 East around approximately 10:30 a.m. Eastbound traffic was blocked until around 11:40 a.m. The man sustained multiple injuries but his condition is unknown at the time. (Courtland Wells/Vicksburg Post)

A 29-year-old Montana man jumped to his death this morning from an overpass onto I-20 below.

Jeffery Casper, 29, of Lolo, Montana, jumped from the Halls Ferry overpass onto the eastbound lane of Interstate 20.

Deputy Vicksburg police chief Bobby Stewart said police received a call about 10:37 a.m. through 911 about a possible attempted suicide off the Halls Ferry overpass, and officers arriving at the scene found the man lying face down in the inside eastbound lane of I-20. The man was taken by ambulance to Merit Health River Region.

He was pronounced dead in the emergency room at Merit Health River Region, Stewart said.

Stewart said Casper attempted to jump in front of an 18-wheeler, but the driver of that vehicle swerved and was able to miss him.

Stewart said an autopsy will be conducted on Casper’s body.

The incident forced police to shut down the eastbound lane of I-20 during the preliminary investigation.

Stewart said the man was not hit by a car after he jumped. He said none of the witnesses questioned at the scene saw the man jump, but said they realized something was wrong when they saw cars ahead of them swerving to avoid the man.

About John Surratt

John Surratt is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a degree in general studies. He has worked as an editor, reporter and photographer for newspapers in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama. He has been a member of The Vicksburg Post staff since 2011 and covers city government. He and his wife attend St. Paul Catholic Church and he is a member of the Port City Kiwanis Club.