Officers from the Peterborough County detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) along with EMS and Fire responded to a call regarding a youth who had jumped from a bridge striking a boat and causing injury to themselves.
On Saturday July 4, 2026, at approximately 4:45pm, Peterborough County Officers were dispatched to a call regarding a youth who had jumped from a bridge located on McFarlane Street in the city of Peterborough.
Witnesses advised that the youth, a 15-year-old, attempted to jump from the bridge before a large vessel that was passing had cleared the way.
The youth struck the vessel and landed in the water. As the youth did not surface immediately, friends who were also on the bridge jumped in to assist.
First Responders arrived on scene and assisted removing the youth from the water. The youth was transported to a local hospital but was later airlifted by ORNGE Air to a trauma centre in Toronto.
The bridge remained closed while officers conducted their investigation.
The Ontario Provincial Police remind the public that jumping from bridges into waterways is extremely dangerous and can have tragic consequences.
The height of a bridge can cause serious injuries upon impact with the water, while hidden hazards such as shallow depths, rocks, debris, and strong currents may not be visible from above.
The danger is further increased when vessels are operating nearby, as boat operators may not see a person entering the water in time to avoid a collision.
Individuals who jump from bridges also place themselves, other members of the public and emergency responders at significant risk.
For your safety and the safety of others, the OPP urges the public to stay off bridge railings and structures and never enter the water by jumping from a bridge.
The occurrence is still under investigation, and police ask that anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has video footage and has not yet spoken to police, contact the Peterborough County OPP at 1-888-310-1122.
To serve our province by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.
Peterborough County OPP values your contribution to building safe communities. If you have information about suspected unlawful activity, please visit Crime Stoppers at: stopcrimehere.ca or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
