Jumped from McCullough Bridge, August 1

An 18-year old North Bend male died Thursday afternoon, July 31, after he jumped from the north side of the McCullough in an effort to either escape a pursuing law enforcement officer or he committed suicide. Coos Co. District Attorney R. Paul Frasier issued a news release about the 2:40 p.m. incident, “It is not known at this time if in the act of jumping Mr. Williams was attempting to escape the deputy or if this was an act of suicide.” Leon Williams Jr. was under the supervision of the Oregon Youth Authority (OYA) and a warrant had been issued for his arrest for “absconding from supervision.” An OYA official had attempted to take him into custody on the north end of the bridge. However, he got away. According to Frasier, back up was requested and a responding deputy spotted Williams walking across the bridge. He stopped and attempted to detain him. But, Williams vaulted over the rail and landed some 90-feet below on a temporary construction bridge. Frasier requested the activation of the Major Crime team to investigate the youth’s death.