Elementary principal jumps from bridge to her death

[creek14]

I get sweaty palms just driving over this bridge. I can't imagine the dispair that would drive someone to jump from it.




Clermont County educator's body found downstream of Ohio's tallest bridge.

By Dave Greber

Staff Writer

Saturday, March 24, 2007

OREGONIA — The woman who jumped to her death Thursday evening from the tallest bridge in Ohio was principal of Summerside Elementary School in Clermont County.

Eileen M. Murphy, 55, of Cincinnati, parked her 2002 Honda Accord at about 4:40 p.m. in the right lane of northbound Interstate 71, near the south end of the Jeremiah-Morrow Bridge, got out and jumped into the Little Miami River some 240 feet below.

Turtlecreek Twp. emergency medical services recovered her body about three-quarters of a mile downstream, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol's Lebanon post.

The Warren County Coroner pronounced Murphy dead at the scene.

Classes were canceled Friday at the Union Twp. elementary school, and a crisis team will be present Monday when the school reopens, according to school officials.

"Her death is a great loss to the people who knew her," said Superintendent Gary E. Brooks of the West Clermont Local School District in a letter sent home to parents and posted on the district's Web site.

Murphy had been with West Clermont Schools for 10 years and previously was assistant principal of Amelia High School.

The Patrol is investigating the incident as a suicide.