Mickey Hurley, 24, of Hinton, West Virginia, fell to his death from under the I-64 bridge above the New River at Sandstone on September 29th. According to witnesses, Hurley climbed up under the bridge and went out on the steel catwalk to look at the New River. While out on the catwalk, Hurley turned to his friend and said “Hey, watch this.” He then climbed over the catwalk railing and attempted to jump down to a concrete pillar that supports the bridge. According to the friend, Hurley hit the edge of the pillar, then fell approximately 80 feet into the New River and disappeared. A local fisherman boating down the river heard the voices and saw what looked like a person falling from under the bridge. He immediately called 911. Rangers responded along with volunteers from the Hinton, Green Sulfur, and Beaver fire departments. Divers working in conjunction with boat teams found Hurley’s body submerged in about 12 feet of water near the end of the bridge pillar. The body was recovered and turned over to the Summers County coroner. Based on witness statements and Hurley’s friend’s report, alcohol was probably a contributing factor. Rangers are conducting the follow–up investigation.
