What Happened At The Route 72 Causeway Bridge In NJ?

The story begins on the night of November 25th in Southern Ocean County, when reports came in of a possible man jumping from the Route 72 Causeway Bridge into the freezing waters below.

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The bridge connects the mainland in Stafford Township to Long Beach Island. According to Jersey Shore Online, upon arriving, "responding officers found an unoccupied gray Toyota Camry parked at the top of the span. The vehicle is registered to a 19-year-old Monmouth County resident."

As the search for the alleged missing person continues, no body has been recovered, but officials say the search continues.

The identity of the alleged jumper has not been released. According to Jersey Shore Online, Stafford Township Police Captain Russell Griffin said, “The teen’s family has been notified, and he is now classified as a missing person,” Griffin said.

The Route 72 Causeway Bridge is about 5 stories high, and the water temperatures are around 48 degrees. "In 48°F (9°C) water, a person can expect to become exhausted or unconscious within 30 to 60 minutes and may only survive for 1 to 3 hours before death, according to the Life Jacket Association and Ace Boater. This timeframe depends on factors like body type, clothing, and movement in the water."

The current operation is receiving assistance from multiple agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard, the New Jersey State Police, and local emergency teams originating from Stafford, Ship Bottom, and Barnegat.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the authorities. No further information was available as the search continues for the alleged jumper.