SAD SUICIDES
This was, easily, the hardest chapter to write in this book. All of these locations are associated with actual, real-life events that involved the loss of human life in the worst possible way. When a soul has reached a point of extreme desperation or depression and then exits this world, a sad spirit is then created. Sometimes these forlorn souls stick around and become ghosts, like those in the stories documented here. Sometimes they move on to the next world. When visiting these locales, always keep in mind that the dead here were once very real people. So be respectful of the history and those who perished by their own hands.
Mossdale Bridge—Lathrop, California
Extreme care must be taken if you plan to visit this haunted bridge —but this isn’t because of any ghost that resides in the area. This is due to the fact that this bridge is a train trestle rather than a crossing for automobiles. And trains do cross here. So beware! That said, the trestle here is a common destination for ghost hunters.
The haunting of the young man who committed suicide at this location is known throughout the state. According to those who have seen the spirit on the bridge, he appears to be a male in his twenties or thirties, wearing a pair of jeans and red-checkered flannel shirt. The bridge dates back to 1928, but legend says the suicide occurred in the 1970s. Unfortunately, not much is known about the backstory of the poor deceased man.
It should be noted that this particular ghost seems to be of the residual type. Rather than interacting with onlookers, the entity ignores everything around him. As a result, this should be a relatively tame haunt for those who are brave enough (and safe enough) to visit this location over the San Joaquin River.
Colorado Street Bridge—Pasadena, California
How many suicides does it take for a bridge to be known nationwide as a “suicide bridge”? Four? Twenty? How about more than a hundred! It’s the sad but very real truth about this bridge that crosses the Arroyo Seco River. To make it even worse, this name was given to the location in the early 1930s.
Local documentation lists the first suicide at this bridge took place on November 16, 1919, a mere seven years after it was built in 1912. Deaths would spike considerably during the Great Depression and World War II, but they would never quite go away. It’s estimated that by the 1940s more than a hundred people died making the 150-foot jump.
In 1993, the bridge was overhauled to become safer—and a huge barrier was constructed to deter people from jumping over the side. The wall has made a huge difference, and suicides have drastically decreased since it was erected, but the massive death toll over the decades has led to one unusually active haunted location.
Of the ghostly tales told about the bridge, perhaps the most dramatic is that of a woman who is seen in a white dress leaping from the ledge. It’s said that she disappears before hitting the ground, but it would be a terrifying sight nonetheless. Other spirits spotted on the structure include a man who appears in retro clothing and wire-rimmed glasses and a woman who calls out for her baby (according to legend, she intended to kill her baby by throwing him/her over the side, then jumping herself—however, the baby lived). But that’s just the tip of the haunted iceberg …
There are also ghosts seen underneath the bridge. One spirit is said to be that of a worker who died in the wet cement while the bridge was being built. Another is said to be a man who mumbles something about his death being “her fault.” On top of all this, many who investigate this area often hear the odd cries of the dead, bizarre screams, and even spooky laughter. It all adds up to one of the most well-known haunted bridges in all of America.
Comstock Covered Bridge—East Hampton, Connecticut
Named after General Comstock, a local military luminary from ages past, this covered bridge is one of only three such structures in the state of Connecticut. It was built to span the Salmon River and is now the main attraction at a small park on the verge of the Salmon River State Forest. Interestingly, nobody seems to agree as to when the bridge was actually built. Some sources date it back as far as 1791, but the general consensus says either 1840 or 1873. Either way, today it is a pedestrian-only bridge, so you need not fear traffic while exploring this landmark.
As for the ghost story—well, it’s a sad tale, indeed. The legend states that a young couple used the bridge for nightly meetings. Things were getting serious until the girl abruptly decided to end the relationship. Distraught, the boy would still come to the bridge every evening, even leaving notes there, hoping she would one day return to him. Eventually, it became apparent that she was never going to return, and the boy despaired. He hung himself there on the bridge. People who have seen the lonely spirit say he will appear briefly, moaning “Why?”
Nineveh Falls Bridge—Killingworth, Connecticut
This entire area is part of a dam and spillway for Lake Hammonasset—and there are actually two bridges that are near the falls (the highway bridge and a small pedestrian bridge). Since the legend surrounding this location involves the actual falls, you can attempt to experience the haunting from either bridge.
According to legend, a young Native American couple said good-bye at this spot. The man was going to war along with the warriors to fight a rival tribe; the woman would be waiting for his return. The battle, however, did not go so well. Most of the men were killed, and the young man was numbered among the dead. The woman did not take this well. She climbed to the top of the cliffs and leaped to her death in sorrow. Sadly, the news of the warrior’s death was incorrect. When he returned to the village, he found that his love had committed suicide in his name. Distraught, he declared he would join her in death, so he scrambled to the top and made the same leap.
Some say the fall killed the warrior—others say he actually survived and went on to live a long life. For those who have had ghostly encounters at the falls, this detail is moot. It’s said the sounds of the woman’s wails of grief can be heard echoing throughout the area, and, on occasion, the misty figure of the sad woman is seen in the trees.
Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge
—Jacksonville, Florida
Known locally as Dames Point Bridge, this structure was just completed in 1989. The bridge stands 175 feet over the St. Johns River. Despite its short life, this location has already had a fair share of suicides.
As for the ghost story … well, there’s not a whole lot to it. Apparently people have occasionally seen the spirit of a young African-American woman walking along the span. Attempts at researching who this woman could be have turned up nothing. In recent memory, only one African-American woman has fallen from this area—and, strangely enough, she survived. Many have surmised that the entity is a product from the past that has wandered over to the site. Others say the woman was murdered nearby and thrown into the river.
Choose whichever story you like the best and make a visit to this awesome cable-stayed bridge. Just be careful of traffic; the woman who fell off this bridge (and lived) was pushed by a passing vehicle after her car sustained a flat tire and she had gotten out to change it.
Love Ford Bridge—Jasper County, Illinois
Located outside the town of Newton, this arch/span bridge along East 1400th Avenue was built in 2004 to replace the old one that crossed the Embarras River. Besides being in an area that’s known for a few haunted places, the bridge itself is said to be the wandering area of a male spirit that’s seen lying facedown in the river. It’s said he committed suicide from the old bridge and that his presence can be felt when you are in the spot he jumped from.
In addition, Love Ford Bridge is also said to host the ghosts that wander over from nearby Higgins Cemetery (also known as Coburn Cemetery). These specters include deceased Satanic worshippers, mysterious ghost lights that bounce along, and dark masses that seem to scoot along the ground. Eyewitness accounts of the paranormal at this bridge usually include bizarre moans, chants, and screams that seem to emanate from the distance. Most believe these are also coming from the old cemetery, but at least one person has claimed that the sounds began right after seeing the pale body floating in the waters below the bridge.
Brooks Bridge—Martin County, Indiana
Located just outside the towns of Shoals, Lacy, and Whitfield, this bridge was constructed over the White River in 1894. It was recently renovated, however, and is quite sturdy for its age.
The ghost story concerning this site has been circulating for at least two decades and involves a young girl who committed suicide off the bridge. It’s said that she was distraught—either because of losing her betrothed or general depression, depending on who you ask—and that her spirit now reenacts her last moments on the fifth night of each month. According to those who have seen the spirit, or at least tell the tale about her, she stands on the bridge for a moment and then crawls over the edge where she leaps with a scream into the waters below. But there’s more to the story …
Some say that if you manage to accost the ghost before she accomplishes her deed, she will turn on you and immediately give chase. It seems that she does not like to be interrupted when it is time to make the leap. No historical records have turned up to support the story of the suicide, but people claim that the tale has been around for so long that it would be impossible to track down the specific incident. Take a look-see for yourself.
Cumberland Falls Bridge—Corbin, Kentucky
The Cumberland Falls State Park is a wonder all to itself. With lush landscapes, plenty of outdoors activities to do, and the chance to see a magical “moonbow,” it makes for an awesome getaway. Toss in a cool ghost story and, well, it’s unmissable, right?
The ghost story has less to do with the actual bridge and more to do with the neighboring falls. The legend states that a couple was about to be married at the old lodge when the groom was a no-show. Apparently he was killed in an auto accident. Upon receiving word of his death, the bride climbed to the top of the falls and threw herself off. Another version of the story also exists. It states the couple was actually on their honeymoon and were simply taking photos and enjoying themselves on the bridge when she tumbled to her death.
Either way, the area of the accident is now a famous Lover’s Leap in Kentucky, and sightings of this unfortunate woman are quite common. She is usually spotted wearing a white wedding dress and is almost always in the vicinity of the cliff top. It’s also noted that the spirit seems to be fond of the aforementioned moonbows. What’s a moonbow? It’s a natural phenomenon that involves moonlight reflecting off moisture in the air to create a nighttime rainbow. Cumberland Falls is one of the few places that can reliably produce such an event, and when it happens don’t be surprised if you notice a spectral spectator checking out the event with you.
Trowbridge Road Bridge—Bloomfield, Michigan
This location seems to be riddled with questions. The biggest being, “Is it actually haunted?” Local legend trippers say yes. Word has it that depressed individuals used this span as a means to commit suicide. Though it’s not a particularly high bridge, there are train tracks beneath it. So people say that those who did not die from the fall typically got hit by a train. Doesn’t sound like a pleasant way to die.
I could find no news coverage concerning any suicides at this spot—but then a lot of news outlets won’t print suicide deaths in the paper. So there’s no way to confirm if anything of this sort has actually happened. Either way, visitors claim that they see apparitions of children on the bridge and hear screams in the area.
Before you visit this particular location, though, I should give a couple warnings. First off, there are train tracks, so be careful! Second, it seems that local authorities frown upon people hanging around here and have been known to give tickets for trespassing (even though it seems that the spot is public property). So consider yourself warned on both fronts.
Fallasburg Bridge—Lowell, Michigan
Built in 1871 by Jared N. Bresee for the whopping sum of $1,500, this historical landmark is one of the few remaining covered bridges in Michigan open to vehicular traffic. If you visit this site in the daytime, you can check out the marker next to the structure that details the founding of Fallasburg by John and Silas Fallas (an area also known as Vergennes Township), as well as the origin of this span across the Flat River.
As for the ghost here, the male spirit is thought to be a sad soul who committed suicide at the bridge. Some say he jumped and drowned in the waters below, some say he hung himself from a truss. Either way, people have heard disembodied voices on the bridge and heard footsteps stomping across, and, on rare occasion, they have seen the pale visage of the forlorn man.
Since the bridge is open to traffic, you may want to just get close enough to do some ghost watching. You may also want to take a look around at other popular sites in the area—the bridge is part of the Fallasburg Pioneer District, a well-known tourist attraction.
Mackinac Bridge—Mackinaw City, Michigan
When you look at the stats concerning this massive bridge, you realize what a feat of engineering it actually is. Connecting the Upper and Lower Peninsulas of Michigan, this span is an astounding 26,372 feet long. It was completed in 1957 and has since been a massive tourist attraction to the area. It was first envisioned in the 1800s shortly after the success of the Brooklyn Bridge, but it took decades to get going and eventually constructed.
Five people lost their lives during the work on the bridge and over the years there have been sporadic suicides, so it’s not a big surprise that this location would be considered haunted. Ironically, the story most people tell concerns a baby that supposedly died in an automobile accident. There is no such record of this event (unlike the deaths of the workers and suicides), but the tale is told nonetheless.
Witnesses have claimed to see apparitions walking on the bridge. These are assumed to be the aforementioned folks who died here. Most often they are thought to be actual people, but when they are approached (or simply observed sometimes), they disappear. If you decide to take a trip across, allow for some time to visit the Mackinac Island State Park and Fort Mackinac. They, too, have ghost stories associated with them, and it would make for a great haunted getaway.
Oakwood Avenue Bridge—Owosso, Michigan
Adjacent to the Kiwanis Park, this pedestrian-only bridge is one of the few Whipple truss spans left in the state. It was once for vehicular traffic, but when the city opened up a new bridge a block away on Gould Street, it was transformed into a local landmark for a leisurely stroll. It also received a handsome new blue paint job. For decades the structure was a faded salmon color (and was known throughout the area as the Pink Bridge).
Locals say this spot over the Shiawassee River is one of the best ghost-watching locations in the area. Legend states a pair of lovers decided to end their lives together by leaping from the bridge, and now they are forever doomed to roam. Dozens of people have claimed to see the spirits standing on the bridge, while others have heard voices/yells (presumably them as they fell into the water) and felt unseasonably cold blasts of air hit them as they cross. Since this is a pedestrian bridge, this may be one of the best bridges to check out for spooks.
Washington Avenue Bridge—Minneapolis, Minnesota
Connecting the East Bank and West Bank of the University of Minnesota’s campus, this bridge is a double-decker wonder over the Mississippi River. One deck is for vehicles and the local rail system, and one deck is for bicycles and pedestrian traffic.
Unfortunately, the bridge seems to have a darker use for some people, too. This seems to be one of the most popular suicide spots in the city. Over the years, several people have jumped from the bridge, including famed poet John Berryman, who was teaching at the university. Jumpers land either in the flats below or in the water.
Students at the university know about the ghosts of the bridge and, since it is a pedestrian crossing, it’s a popular place to hang out and ghost watch. The spirits are said to be the product of these suicides and most say you can hear the footsteps of the specters around you while you’re walking across. On occasion, people have also noted disembodied voices and, at least twice, people have seen the sad apparition of a person looking out over the river. Could the ghost be that of Berryman? Go find out for yourself!
Mike O’Callaghan-Pat Tillman Memorial Bridge
—Clark County, Nevada
This massive modern achievement in architecture opened to the public in 2010. It was the keystone item for the $240 million Hoover Dam Bypass Project. It’s a gorgeous pedestrian and automotive crossing, standing a staggering nine hundred feet above the Colorado River—and it provides a perfect view of the nearby Hoover Dam (something that could only be achieved by helicopter prior to the bridge’s construction).
Unfortunately, it seems that when a new bridge of this size is built with a pedestrian crossing, suicides are sure to follow. The first took place in 2012, and as of the writing of this passage the number has increased to eight deaths. Along with these saddening deaths, it also figures that one of the sad spirits would apparently be sticking around. At least that’s what a handful of witnesses say. Glimpses of an apparition standing on the bridge, staring toward the dam, have been documented.
A walk across this bridge is a wonderful thing, and a great trip in itself. However, you may want to check out a couple other well-known haunted spots while you’re there. The Hoover Dam itself is said to be haunted (112 deaths occurred during its construction) and the infamous Boulder Dam Hotel has its fair share of ghost stories, too. It would make a great place to make your headquarters during this awesome, ghostly getaway.
Brooklyn Bridge—New York City, New York
Once you hear all of the tales told about the infamous Brooklyn Bridge, your first instinct will be to say the structure is cursed. It began when John Roebling hurt his foot while designing and scouting a location for the bridge—that foot would get tetanus and kill him. At least twenty-five people died during construction of the bridge, and Roebling’s son, Washington, got a severe case of the bends from decompressing too quickly that put him in a wheelchair for the rest of his life. (The East River is over a hundred feet deep and people get the bends when surfacing too quickly from an extreme depth.)
Today, deaths associated with the span are all too familiar. They are the sad folks who decide to take their own lives and leap into the East River. It happens all too often—with many would-be jumpers intercepted by the police and passersby. Most of the haunted activity on this bridge is associated with these forlorn souls. People have seen shadowy figures scuttling along the bridge, heard screams and splashes when nobody is around or jumping, and felt sudden cold spots when crossing an area a person leaped from.
But at least one spirit on the old bridge is not associated with suicide. This would be the headless specter that has been witnessed a few times. Locals say this ghost is a man who died during construction of the bridge—a man who was decapitated when a cable snapped free. If that’s not enough paranormal activity for you, also consider that several people have claimed to have been abducted by aliens while crossing the bridge. UFO’s and ghosts add up to one spooky spot.
Zealandia Bridge—Asheville, North Carolina
Built on Beaucatcher Mountain as part of the carriageway for the opulent Zealandia Estate, this old, stone-arch-style span is quite the tourist attraction for the haunted traveler. Dubbed “Helen’s Bridge” by locals, the structure is the setting for a rather sad ghost tale.
The legend states that a woman named Helen became inconsolable after losing her young daughter in a fire. In a stupor, she walked to the bridge and hung herself. Since that sad day, random people have reported running into a haggard woman around the bridge, asking, “Have you seen my daughter?” Cars reportedly have problems with crossing the bridge, too. Ghosts are often associated with electrical disturbances and many have said their vehicle will simply die when driving across the bridge.
The ghost of Helen is so well known that famous writer Thomas Wolfe mentioned the bridge in his tome Look Homeward, Angel. If you’re in the area around Asheville, a quick visit to this spot is a must—but be warned! Locals claim there is a dark side to the haunting there. In addition to the ghost of Helen, many say there is an evil presence that often appears as a black mass and is known to scratch and hit people.
White Lady Bridge—Leroy, North Dakota
Located along a rural road that cuts through Tetrault Woods, this bridge crosses the Pembina River. Locals refer to the road as White Lady Lane, but it’s actually called 132nd Avenue Northeast located between the towns of Walhalla and Leroy.
The legend that takes place at this bridge is an extremely well-known tale throughout North Dakota. It concerns a young girl who got “in the family way” with a local boy and was forced to marry him to save the family reputation. The baby was born, the two were wed, but the baby died of crib death. Distraught at the loss of her infant—as well as now being in a forced marriage—the girl ran to the bridge and hung herself.
Now the apparition of the girl can be seen swaying in the wind on some nights. Sightings of the ghost have occurred regularly enough to keep the story in people’s mouths, and there’s certainly no shortage of people who will tell you their spooky experience concerning the bridge. Even when the ghost isn’t present, people say the location is extraordinarily frightening at night with an ever-
pervading sense that someone is there, lurking in the darkness.
Johnston Covered Bridge—Lancaster, Ohio
Built in 1887 by August Borneman, this historic bridge is now the centerpiece of Two Glaciers Park. When the road that crossed the bridge was bypassed in 1991, the county decided to build a park around the bridge, which allowed it to stay in its original location over Clear Creek.
As for the ghost story, it’s been around for some time. Word on the street is that a young woman committed suicide at the bridge, and now her spirit likes to hang out there. An alternate version states she actually drowned. Whichever you want to go with, people have been telling stories about her apparition appearing on the structure regularly.
Interestingly, there is a second covered bridge in the park, too. It’s called Hanaway Covered Bridge, and it’s not far away. So if you’re into visiting places with covered bridges and ghosts, this may be just the spot for you. Realize, though, that since they are in a public park that closes at dusk, your ability to stake out the bridge for a ghostly appearance may be hampered a bit.
Jeremiah’s Bridge—Anadarko, Oklahoma
At the time of this writing, this bridge is gone; it collapsed in 1994 when a large truck drove over it. There are talks, however, of replacing the bridge, so maybe when you read this passage it will be back over the Washita River. If not, it’s no big deal. People say they still see the apparition of the young Native American along the riverbank where the bridge once stood.
The story goes that the boy used to fish and hang out on the bridge until, one day, he did not return home. His mother went to look for him and found him dead on the bridge. In one version, he committed suicide by hanging; in another version, he was found dead in the river. Either way, his ghost has been seen by many people on the bridge and is now still spotted wandering the area. Furthermore, the spirit of Jeremiah’s mother has been seen and heard, too. Those who encounter her sad specter say she can be heard calling out for the boy and staggering about with a dazed expression on her face.
Lehigh Canal Trestle—Lehighton, Pennsylvania
Sometimes ghost stories just don’t have much to them. Without any facts to back a story up, or any history to lay down some possible ideas why a place may be haunted, all that’s left to us is what we see or hear. Such is the case with the White Lady who is seen on this train trestle. Nobody knows who she is supposed to be or why she is seen at night walking along the tracks/bridge (some have suggested she committed suicide at this spot by jumping into the Lehigh River Canal), but plenty of people have seen this infamous apparition.
Normally I would give a warning concerning visiting a train trestle, but I don’t really have to in this instance. The best spot for ghost watching here is going to be the Lehigh Canal Park that is stationed right next to the trestle and canal. It’s a perfect spot to keep an eye on the trestle. If you’re planning to check it out really late (the park may be closed), then also consider driving down North Main Lane until you see the trestle ahead of you. This is also a great stakeout position with the trestle ahead and above you. Happy hunting!
Maxdale Road Bridge—Maxdale, Texas
Known as the Maxdale Cemetery Bridge because of its close proximity to Bittick Cemetery (which is also haunted), this small span has a few tales attached to it. The first involves a ritual: If you park on the bridge, turn off your headlights, and count to ten, you will see the apparition of a man hanging from the bridge. He’s said to be a guy who committed suicide after his girlfriend drowned beneath the bridge. People also tell of a ghostly car that will drive across the bridge and disappear when it gets to the other side. Lastly, there are sightings of a second apparition that seems to be the same ghost that hangs out at the cemetery. This spirit is thought to be a former caretaker of the graveyard and he’s been spotted in both places, wandering as if lost. If accosted, he appears sad for a moment, then disappears.
The bridge is actually closed to vehicular traffic, so testing the headlight scenario may be tough, but you can walk on the bridge, so feel free to watch for the apparitions. Also consider a walk to the cemetery; in addition to the caretaker, tales of a witch grave and her spirit are also attributed to the site.
Gold Brook Covered Bridge—Stowe, Vermont
This historic covered bridge is located along Covered Bridge Road over Gold Brook. It dates back to 1844 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The bridge, as well as the entire town of Stowe, is about as picturesque as a place can get. Know those old paintings of quaint towns and beautiful landscapes? They must have been painted in Stowe. This would be reason enough to visit this nice spot, but when you add in the story of Emily, it becomes a pilgrimage of sorts for ghost hunters.
Dubbed “Emily’s Bridge” by the paranormal community, the haunting of this bridge is quite well known. The story involves a young girl (Emily, of course) who was waiting at the bridge for her lover to meet her; the two of them were planning to run away together and elope. For whatever reason, he never showed up. Emily became distraught as the night passed without him coming to her, and, eventually, she despaired and hung herself on the bridge. Now she haunts the place—with a vengeance. It seems that she’s pretty upset about the whole no-show thing; those who have encountered Emily have described numerous incidents. The spirit likes to scratch people, pound on cars that cross the bridge, and let out the occasional death scream. If that’s not enough to frighten you, her apparition is said to look like something straight out of a nightmare.
George Washington Memorial Bridge
—Seattle, Washington
Known locally as the Aurora Bridge, this span has the second most suicides attributed to it in the United States. Only the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco has more. Since it was constructed in 1932, there have been over 230 suicides at the location with the first occurring the year it opened to traffic. Between 1995 and 2005, there were more than fifteen deaths alone. This is mostly due to the pedestrian access to the bridge and the relatively short guardrails. It’s for these reasons that the state constructed a suicide barrier on the bridge that was finished in 2011 to the tune of $4.8 million.
When you have this much death in one spot, it’s no wonder the place is haunted. Several ghost stories are attributed to the bridge, including a spectral man and a dog who are seen on the bridge and by the beach, a ghostly girl who has been seen walking along the span, and a little girl who many say hung herself from the side. This is one of those places that ghost hunting needs to be done with a grain of salt; many who live in close proximity of the structure have seen the horrible deaths here, so some respect is in order for those who passed away.