• An adult male died after jumping from the I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge in Portsmouth, NH; authorities do not suspect foul play.
• A separate incident occurred hours later involving a person jumping from the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, leading to a search effort.
• Following these incidents and recent suicide attempts, officials are planning to install mental health support signs on the Piscataqua River Bridge.

On May 1, 2025, a man died after jumping from the I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge into the Piscataqua River in Portsmouth, NH. The New Hampshire State Police responded to a report of a stopped vehicle on the bridge and, shortly after, found the man in the river. Life-saving attempts were unsuccessful. Hours later, another person jumped from the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, prompting a search effort. In response to these incidents and other recent suicide attempts, officials are planning to install signs with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline number on the Piscataqua River Bridge.

• What: A man died after jumping from the I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge, followed by a separate incident where a person jumped from the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. Plans are underway to install suicide prevention signs on the bridge.
• Who: The New Hampshire State Police, Portsmouth Police Department, Portsmouth Fire Department, New Hampshire State Police Marine Patrol, U.S. Coast Guard, Newington and Rye fire departments, Kittery’s harbormaster, New Hampshire Department of Transportation, Maine Department of Transportation and Seacoast Mental Health Center.
• When: May 1, 2025: First incident reported at 7:08 p.m.; second incident around 8:49 p.m.; sign installation plans reported on May 5, 2025.
• Where: Piscataqua River and the I-95 Piscataqua River Bridge and Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, Portsmouth, NH.

The events highlight the urgent need for mental health support and preventative measures in the Portsmouth area. The swift response to the first incident, followed by a second similar event within hours, underscores the potential for clusters of suicide attempts. The decision to install signs with the 988 lifeline number is a proactive step, but the lack of immediate plans for physical barriers raises questions about long-term prevention strategies. The involvement of multiple agencies and organizations indicates a coordinated effort to address the issue.

"I think that that was highly unusual to have that occur in such a short amount of time."

"A small sign can make a big impact on somebody."

"There's help out there. We really want people to know that."

The death of a man after jumping from the Piscataqua River Bridge, compounded by a subsequent incident at the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge, has spurred immediate action in Portsmouth, NH. While the search for the second individual continues, authorities are moving forward with plans to install suicide prevention signs on the Piscataqua River Bridge. These measures represent an initial step towards addressing mental health crises in the community, with ongoing evaluation needed to determine the effectiveness of these interventions and the potential need for more comprehensive solutions.