Man Found in Hudson River After Reported Bridge Jump

Police have recovered the body of a man who reportedly jumped from the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge.

The Town of Ulster Police Department has announced the recovery of a male subject's body from the Hudson River in the early morning hours on Friday.

Man Jumps From Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge

According to a press release from the Town of Ulster Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge on Friday, February 20th, 2026, at approximately 4:33 a.m. after a call to 911 reported that a subject had jumped from the span.

Upon arrival, officers, along with multiple patrols from various agencies, including a New York State Police air boat, were able to locate the male victim in the Hudson River.

SEE ALSO: New York State Police Identify Man Shot by Troopers in Ulster County

The male, who was not identified by police at this time, was transported to shore, where he was pronounced deceased by first responders.

Climb Deterrent Fencing Needed on Hudson Valley Bridges?

Following this tragic incident, many took to social media to revisit an earlier proposal that would require the installation of climb deterrent fencing around all of the bridges in the Hudson Valley region.

New York Senator Wants Fencing Around Bridges

Last year, we learned that New York Senator Pete Harckham had submitted Senate Bill S3053 that would require climb deterrent fencing around bridges under the jurisdiction of the New York State Bridge Authority (NYSBA), including the Rip Van Winkle Bridge, Kingston-Rhinecliff Bridge, Mid-Hudson Bridge, Newburgh-Beacon Bridge, and Bear Mountain Bridge.

Harckham explained that since 2007, there have been over 100 deaths and 40+ suicide attempts from bridges controlled by the NYSBA. The installation of fencing would make it harder for someone to jump from a span and would prevent as many tragedies as possible, according to Harckham.

It's unclear if the bill, which didn't pass in 2025, will be revisited in 2026.

Suicide Prevention Services in the Hudson Valley, NY

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, help is available through the following services across the Hudson Valley:

• The National Suicide Hotline, 988.
• In Ulster County, call the Family of Woodstock Crisis Hotline at (845) 338-2370 or (845) 679-2485 (also accepts texts).
• Dutchess County offers a 24-hour helpline at (845) 485-9700.