Rock star Jon Bon Jovi played a pivotal role in helping a woman in distress on a bridge in Nashville this week, giving new significance to his song “Keep the Faith.”
On Wednesday, the Metro Nashville Police Department announced that Bon Jovi and his team successfully guided the unidentified woman to safety, leading her off the edge of the Cumberland River bridge. Police Chief John Drake emphasized the importance of community in keeping one another safe.
While the police had previously shared a video of the incident, it has since been removed from YouTube. However, other recordings from local media and fans depict the event that took place on the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge on Tuesday night, which offers stunning views of the Nashville skyline.
The 62-year-old musician was filming a music video for his song “The People’s House” at the bridge when he noticed a woman in blue standing perilously close to the edge. Overhead footage shows Bon Jovi and a member of his team approaching her. As they near, Bon Jovi waves at her, to which she responds.
He positions himself near the railing, engaging in conversation with her and the production assistant. After a brief discussion, the assistant gently helps the woman turn around to face the bridge. With Bon Jovi holding one arm and the production assistant the other, they assisted her back over the railing. Following the rescue, Bon Jovi and the woman exchanged words and embraced before they departed together minutes later.
Emergency responders, including the Metro Nashville Police Department and the Nashville Fire Department, arrived after a witness reported the situation.
Representatives for Bon Jovi have stated he will not comment further on the incident. As the frontman of one of rock’s most renowned bands and a solo artist, Bon Jovi was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018. He also founded the JBJ Soul Foundation in 2006, focusing on assisting those affected by hunger, poverty, and homelessness.
Social media users have praised Bon Jovi, calling him a “hero” and a “saint” for his actions. This is not the first time he has been recognized for his kindness; he garnered attention in 2021 for washing dishes at one of his community restaurants in New Jersey during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Interestingly, the Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge was named in honor of John Seigenthaler, a journalist who once saved a suicidal man from the same spot during the 1950s.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or is in crisis, seek help by contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8, or text HOME to 741741 for the Crisis Text Line.