Defying death: Woman survives jumping off a bridge in flames after crashing her car

2015-04-14 4

39-year-old Mary Johanna Gawenda from Eugene, Oregon is lucky to be alive after setting herself on fire, crashing her car, and jumping off the Washington-Jefferson Bridge shortly after noon on Thursday.

Gawenda was reportedly driving about 85 mph on I-105 towards 6th avenue when a motorist called 911 to report seeing her pour a substance over her body and set herself on fire, all while driving recklessly.

Moments later, Gawenda crashed into a guardrail on the bridge and slid before coming to a stop.

While still on fire, Gawenda got out of the car, took off her clothes and ran towards the edge of the bridge. A truck driver tried using a fire extinguisher on her while another passer-by attempted to pull the woman away from the edge of the bridge. However, both were unsuccessful as Gawenda went over the edge and fell 40 feet onto the skatepark below.

Gawenda was taken to a nearby hospital with non-life threatening injuries. A 40-year-old woman was also injured when she was hit by a bumper that had fallen from the bridge in the collision.

Gawenda family members reported her missing on Tuesday, and police believe this was a suicide attempt. They haven't announced any charges will be filed.

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