A reporter was a witness to the suicide. She was left horrified after woman jumps to her death

Minutes after a woman died jumping off the Sir Sidney Poitier Bridge on Sunday, a reporter in the area witnessing the horrifying ordeal, gave insight into what happened the moments before tragedy struck.

The woman, described as heavily built and wearing a black top and shorts, is believed to be in her mid-30s. Authorities are still trying to identify her by name.

“It’s scarring,” Anthonique Smith, a reporter from ZNS said, describing the moments after she learned the woman she spotted earlier had jumped to her death.

Smith and a cameraman were in transit when they heard “agitated patrons” nearby. When they stopped, they saw a woman perched at the top of the bridge.

“The woman sat for a while, a bus passed and the silhouette of the woman was gone.”

“I realized she jumped,” Smith said.

A boat went out and retrieved her but she was dead.

Authorities said they received a call around 3 pm of a woman attempting to jump over the bridge, but when they arrived, the woman was not present as reported.

What’s unknown

Police do not know the name of the woman or her next of kin.

A motive for the alleged suicide remains unknown.

The reaction

When news circulated on social media, many Bahamians expressed shock.

Montez Brown believes mental health is a serious issue that needs to be immediately addressed.

“Too many people walking around suffering mentally with no one to turn to…People walking lost and even some fully functioning but dep down going through stuff and don’t know why they having the feelings they have.”

Harold Longley reflected on life, stating that people’s problems may seem insurmountable and they may resort to taking their own lives.

Nikita Campbell asks that we pray earnestly for others.

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, call the Bahamas Crisis Center at 326-0121. Or speak to a trusted friend or pastor.