Professor attempts suicide from Hudson bridge

A 51-year-old St. Cloud State University professor was prevented from jumping off the St. Croix River bridge by the Hudson Police Department early Saturday morning, Oct. 9.

Police received a call just after midnight that a man was straddling a fence along the eastbound side of the I94 interstate bridge and appeared to be preparing to jump. His car was stopped just east of the bridge with its hazard lights on.

According to the police report, Bruce Richard Klemz was shaking, emotional and agitated as officers approached him and he demanded that they not come close to him. Taking turns, the four officers on the scene tried to convince Klemz to come off the railing. A crying Klemz told officers he “really messed up this time.” He told officers he had tried to buy a gun to “end this swiftly” but he wasn't able to.

With deputies from St. Croix County and Washington County, Minn.also on the scene and the St. Croix County Dive Team enroute by boat, Klemz said he planned to jump after he finished saying the rosary. According to HPD Officer Traci Haines, police on the scene kept talking to Klemz, interrupting his prayers to delay him. They noted that every time Klemz resumed his prayers, he closed his eyes.

When officers heard the dive team boat approaching, it was decided to make a grab for Klemz the next time he closed his eyes to pray. Sgt. Brad Kusmirek was the first to get hold of Klemz’ right leg, followed by Haines who also got hold of the same leg. According to the report, Klemz struggled to get free, leaning farther over the railing, yelling “please don’t.” The other officers on the scene rushed to help get Klemz off the railing and safely to the ground.

Police transported Klemz to Hudson Hospital for a possible prescription drug overdose. More details of the incident will appear in the Oct. 14 Star-Observer.

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