FROM A NEWS RELEASE

ST. IGNACE — Members of the public may notice an increased presence of law enforcement and United States Coast Guard personnel in the Straits of Mackinac. There is no danger to the public. These personnel are conducting ongoing search and recovery operations.

At approximately 12:35 a.m. on Thursday, troopers from the Michigan State Police St. Ignace post responded to a report of an abandoned vehicle on the Mackinac Bridge. Upon arrival, troopers located an unoccupied vehicle. A subsequent review of available video footage showed the vehicle coming to a stop, after which an individual exited the vehicle and jumped from the bridge.

Based on evidence recovered from the vehicle, the individual was identified, and MSP notified the next of kin. Since the incident, MSP has coordinated with the USCG and deployed additional resources, including the MSP Marine Services Team and the MSP Aviation Unit. As of press time, search and recovery efforts remain ongoing.