Police say a Demorest man jumped to his death from the Homer Sutton Bridge on GA 197 North in Clarkesville Friday night.
Danny Ray Still, Jr., 35, reportedly jumped into the Soque River adjacent to Pitts Park but was unable to swim.
A female who was with him called 911 around 6:21 p.m. on December 2. Habersham County E-911 dispatched law enforcement and emergency services personnel to the scene.
“After a brief search, responders located and recovered the body of a white male approximately 200 yards from the reported entry point,” says Clarkesville Police Chief Brad Barrett.
Habersham EMS transported Still to Northeast Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville.
Despite resuscitative efforts by medical personnel, Still died “as a result of injuries sustained from the fall and subsequent underwater submersion,” says Barrett.
“The preliminary investigation into the incident indicates that the male was in the midst of a mental health crisis and, as a result, made the decision to enter the water on his own accord,” says Chief Barrett. “At this time, there is no evidence in existence that would indicate foul play.”
The incident happened as hundreds were gathered a short distance away in downtown Clarkesville for the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting. Chief Barrett says the case remains under investigation.
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This article has been updated with additional comments from Chief Barrett.
