Kayaker rescues man who jumped off bridge in suicide attempt

LITTLE FERRY, N.J. — Authorities say a man who attempted suicide by jumping off a bridge into a river was rescued by a passing kayaker.

Police in Little Ferry, New Jersey, say a witness saw the man jump into the Hackensack River about 5 miles west of New York City around 8:20 a.m. Sunday.

When police arrived, they saw the kayaker — who had a dog as his passenger— throw the 55-year-old Garfield man a line, which he grabbed. The kayaker then pulled the man toward the riverbank, and the man eventually stood up and walked ashore, where emergency responders were waiting.

The kayaker continued his trip downriver after the rescue, and authorities were trying to locate him so they could thank him for his assistance.

It wasn't clear if the man who jumped suffered any injuries. He was being evaluated at a hospital.

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