Injuries Sustained From High Velocity Impact With Water: An Experience from the Golden Gate Bridge

Over 720 persons are reported to have died jumping from the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. This article reviews the results of 100 consecutive autopsies. The majority of individuals died from massive internal injuries. Persons fatally injured appeared to have entered the water in a horizontal position. In contrast, six survivors entered the water feet first. These survivors sustained similar injuries, but of lesser degree. (7 refs.)