Police Respond to Person in Barnegat Bay After Jump From Route 37 Bridge in Toms River; Search Underway

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Emergency crews continued searching the waters beneath the J. Stanley Tunney Bridge over Barnegat Bay on Monday afternoon after reports that one or possibly two individuals had jumped from the Route 37 bridge.

According to authorities, the initial report of two people entering the water was received at approximately 2:54 p.m. on Monday, November 2.

One individual was rescued from the water and transported to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune for medical treatment. Emergency personnel continued searching the area for a possible second person, officials said.

The Ocean County Sheriff’s Office issued a public alert later Monday afternoon regarding police activity on the J. Stanley Tunney Bridge. Motorists were advised to anticipate delays while emergency operations were underway.

First responders established a staging area at the Pier One Motel & Marina on the mainland side of the bridge. The response included at least three fire boats, a Toms River dive team, and a New Jersey State Police helicopter assisting with the search.

Despite the significant emergency response, traffic appeared to be moving normally in both directions across the bridge shortly before 4 p.m.

The J. Stanley Tunney Bridge carries westbound traffic from the Seaside Heights area toward mainland Toms River. The neighboring Thomas A. Mathis Bridge accommodates eastbound traffic traveling toward the barrier island.

Authorities continued working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and whether a second individual had entered the water.

This remains a developing situation.