Warning: This article mentions suicide and may be distressing to some readers.
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (IUSTV News) - The Monroe County Sheriff's Department is investigating the death of a man who jumped from a cliff at Cedar Bluff Nature Preserve.
Officers were dispatched to the location at 6:00 p.m. April 10 to a "Mental Health in Progress Call." According to a MCSO press release, the caller stated someone was using her partner's phone sending texts that read "people are going to find him at the bottom of Cedar Bluff."
The caller said she was unaware of the person's location but knew he was not at home.
Deputies arrived on scene and were able to locate the person in distress at the top of a cliff, identified as David Howard. According to the press release, officers believed Howard was attempting to throw a female off the cliff.
Officers rushed to the area and were able to restrain Howard. It was later determined that Howard needed a mental health evaluation.
As officers began to escort Howard to their vehicle for transport, he suddenly turned away from the officer, escaping custody and leapt off the edge of the cliff.
Medical personnel attempted life-saving treatment on scene but were unable to revive Howard.
A preliminary toxicology report determined that Howard died from multiple blunt force injuries and his death was ruled a suicide by a pathologist.
An administrative review determined that the officers who responded to the call followed department policies and procedures.
