Note from the editor: This article includes mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Recently, Jon Bon Jovi intervened to save a woman, reflecting the legacy of lifesaving actions that took place on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge, which traces back to John Seigenthaler’s own heroic deed 70 years ago.

A video shared by Metro Nashville Police shows a woman, part of Bon Jovi’s music video crew, spotting someone in distress beyond the bridge’s guardrail on Tuesday night. Approaching cautiously, both she and Bon Jovi managed to lead the woman back to safety before embracing her.

Despite many happy moments shared on the bridge, Jon Bon Jovi’s recent act resonates particularly as it occurred nearly 70 years after Seigenthaler’s bravery in saving a man from the same spot.

John Seigenthaler’s Connection to the Bridge

Built in 1909, the bridge is supported by 48 spans, including four steel trusses and two reinforced concrete trusses, as stated by the Nashville Downtown Partnership. The structure was closed to vehicular traffic in 1998 and subsequently renovated for pedestrian use.

On October 4, 1954, John Seigenthaler, then a budding reporter at The Tennessean, received a distressing call from a man expressing his despair and intent. While one journalist contacted the police, Seigenthaler rushed to the bridge.

Seigenthaler found the man precariously sitting on a gas pipe next to the bridge. For what seemed to Seigenthaler to be around 40 minutes, they talked. When the man suddenly stood and gazed down at the water, Seigenthaler instinctively reached out and grabbed him just in time, while nearby police officers quickly pulled both men to safety.

In recognition of his courageous act and dedicated service to Nashville’s community, the bridge was renamed the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in April 2014.

Ways to Support Someone in Crisis

If you encounter someone—whether it’s a friend, family member, or even a stranger—who is in distress, clear communication is key, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“It’s crucial for them to feel acknowledged and understood, so be sure to give them your full attention,” the organization advised. “Active listening involves not just hearing words, but also showing engagement through body language, such as maintaining eye contact.”

Don’t hesitate to ask if they are having thoughts of self-harm; understanding their feelings can help direct appropriate assistance.

“If you believe you cannot calm the distressed person without additional help, don’t hesitate to reach out for support. You are not alone in this,” the alliance encouraged.

Available resources include:

• Contacting 911 in case of a life-threatening emergency.
• Reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255 for guidance from a trained crisis counselor.
• Connecting with the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 or the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800-656-4673 to access resources and expert assistance.