Many motorists traveling along I-24 at the South Church Street overpass were traumatized around 6:30 Tuesday morning (11/15/2016) by seeing a man hanging from the bridge.

Not only are our thoughts with his family, but WGNS has much concern for the listeners who phoned the radio station weeping uncontrolably, to the point that some were not being able to speak. Others told how they instinctively tried to cover their children's eyes.

What Do You Do Now?

NewsRadio WGNS sought advice from several sources, but area ministers offered compassionate suggestions.

Dr. John Hinkle, pastor of Murfreesboro First Presbyterian Church said . . .

(Time: 27-seconds)

Again, Dr. Hinkle suggested:

1. If a school age child was in the vehicle, contact the counselor at their school.

2. He then advised listeners to talk with their minister.

THIS is when we need COMMUNITY the most.

He noted that it is very important to talk with someone who has counseling training. Dr. Hinkle said that if you do not have a minister, he would be happy to talk with these persons. The phone number at Murfreesboro First Presbyterian Church is 615-893-3882.

The incident that sparked the concern:

A white male who was said to be in his late 40's was found hanging from the South Church Street bridge over the west bound lane of I-24 Tuesday morning (6:30AM). Murfreesboro Police Sgt. Kyle Evans confirmed the individual is believed to have committed suicide.

Further details have yet to be released.

Suicide Facts in Tennessee:

• Yearly deaths by suicide are about twice that of deaths by homicide - in 2012 (most recent recorded year released), there were 956 suicides (or 14.8 per 100,000 residents) in Tennessee, compared with 456 homicides (or 7.1 per 100,000 residents). This rate also places Tennessee much higher than the national rate of 10.8 suicides per 100,000 residents. More facts here.

Having thoughts of harming yourself?

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Crisis Line at (855) CRISIS-1 (274-7471) is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and connects callers to their local provider for mental health and/or substance use crisis services.