BETTENDORF, Iowa — Content warning: This story contains sensitive topics surrounding suicide. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, 24/7 help is available by texting or calling 988.
Bettendorf and Moline officials responded to the I-74 Bridge on Friday morning after receiving a report of a man who had jumped off and was in the river.
First responders got to the area around 10:15 a.m. on Aug. 23. According to a press release from the City of Bettendorf, police immediately started flying a drone to locate the man in the water and keep him in sight while other police officers and firefighters worked to rescue him. A rescue boat from the Bettendorf Fire Department was also deployed.
The Channel Cat Water Taxi was seen nearby on the river. Officials said they contacted the Channel Cat and asked it to turn around to help. A life preserver was thrown to the man and he was brought onto the water taxi at the same time Bettendorf's rescue boat arrived. Three Bettendorf first responders got onto the Channel Cat to accompany the man as it and the rescue boat headed back to shore. The man was transported to a local hospital for medical and mental health evaluations.
If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, help is available. Call or text 988, the national suicide and crisis lifeline, for 24/7 free and confidential support. You can also chat with a professional online by clicking here.
