In a dramatic turn of events on Tuesday, September 10, rock star Jon Bon Jovi became an unexpected hero when he helped save a woman in crisis on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge in Nashville, Tennessee.
The 62-year-old musician was filming a music video for his song “The People’s House” when he noticed a woman in blue standing on the outside ledge of the bridge, which spans the Cumberland River.
Bon Jovi, along with a production assistant, approached the woman and engaged her in conversation.
The Metro Nashville Police Department shared surveillance footage of the incident, praising Bon Jovi’s actions. “A shout out to @jonbonjovi & his team for helping a woman on the Seigenthaler Ped Bridge Tue night. Bon Jovi helped persuade her to come off the ledge over the Cumberland River to safety,” the department posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Police Chief John Drake added, “It takes all of us to help keep each other safe.”
The footage showed Bon Jovi and his team member talking to the woman for about half a minute before helping her back onto the bridge. The rock star then shared a hug with the woman before they left the area together.
Take a look —
NEW: Singer Jon Bon Jovi saves a woman from jumping off a bridge in Nashville, Tennessee while filming a music video.
Good man.
Bon Jovi was seen approaching a 62-year-old woman on the John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge.
The musician leaned over the railing before… pic.twitter.com/msyGSU3hQW
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) September 11, 2024
Bon Jovi’s experience with his charitable organization, the JBJ Soul Foundation, likely played a crucial role in his ability to handle the situation.
The foundation “routinely helps people in times of crisis from hunger to homelessness,” giving Bon Jovi training in speaking to individuals during difficult situations.
While Bon Jovi has declined to comment on the incident out of respect for the woman’s privacy, his actions have drawn widespread praise on social media. Many observers have hailed him as a “hero” and a “saint.”
Interestingly, the bridge where this incident occurred has a history of lifesaving acts. It was renamed in 2014 after John Seigenthaler, a prominent Tennessee journalist who saved a suicidal man’s life on the same structure in the 1950s.
This incident adds to Bon Jovi’s reputation for philanthropy.
In February 2024, he was recognized as the MusiCares Person of the Year for his charitable efforts.
Laura Segura, Executive Director of MusiCares, praised Bon Jovi, saying, “His remarkable contributions to rock and roll have not only left an indelible mark on the music industry, but also in the hearts of countless fans around the world. Furthermore, his long-standing commitment to serving food-insecure and unhoused individuals inspires us all.”