A Schuylkill County woman who allegedly crashed her pickup into a bridge along Route 61 in April and then jumped into the Schuylkill River in an attempt to take her own life is now facing criminal charges related to that incident.
State Police say Darian Stripe, 27, of Tamaqua, was driving a 2019 Dodge pickup on April 25 when she struck the concrete barriers of the Pottsville Pike (Route 61) Hamburg Bridge in Port Clinton Borough.
The truck became lodged between the barriers on the southbound shoulder with its rear passenger side hanging over the bridge. Stripe was the only person inside the vehicle, witnesses reportedly told police.
Troopers say Stripe exited the truck through the passenger-side window and jumped roughly 75 feet into the river below. Construction workers on the bridge reported witnessing the crash and Stripe’s jump, while at least one railroad inspector and other civilians entered the river with her in an effort to assist.
First responders also entered the river with ropes to help remove Stripe, who was combative at first but later complied with rescue efforts.
She was secured in a litter and transported from the scene by a Reading Blue Mountain & Northern Railroad railcare before being taken to Lehigh Valley Hospital–Cedar Crest by ambulance for treatment of injuries.
Police say they later obtained medical records that indicated Stripe admitted to intentionally crashing into the bridge and jumping into the river as part of a suicide attempt.
Troopers say that Stripe voluntarily admitted herself for mental health treatment following the incident.
Stripe is facing eight counts of misdemeanor reckless endangerment, one count of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct, along with summary offenses of reckless driving, abandoning a vehicle, speeding, and driving on roadways laned for traffic.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 30 before Magisterial District Judge AJ Serina.
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