Two teens headed to Foresthill Bridge the tallest bridge in California and one of the tallest in the country, to film a video Tuesday.
As a 17-year-old tried to capture footage of a 19-year-old swinging on a rope from the underside of the bridge, the older teen got stuck, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. Crews were called to the scene just before 6:30 p.m.
At 730 feet tall, the Foresthill Bridge “soars” over a stream bed of the American River’s North Fork, per Sierra Nevada Geotourism.
More than two dozen first responders arrived to the idyllic locale as the 19-year-old hung approximately 30 feet from the underside of the catwalk. Authorities said his equipment failed, leaving him stuck. His friend called 911 for help.
A command post was established by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office, and CAL FIRE NEU crews helped, including members of its Technical Rescue Team.
“TRT and deputies made their way onto the catwalk under the bridge and located the subject,” the sheriff’s office said. “PCSO’s Search and Rescue (SAR) Mountain Rescue Team was called and multiple team members responded to assist.”
They were able to get the teen down successfully and then bring him up to the catwalk. He was assessed by medics at the scene but declined medical attention and didn’t have any obvious injuries.
“Ultimately, both subjects were cited for trespassing on the Foresthill Bridge,” said the sheriff’s office, which warned others that trespassing on the 50-year-old bridge is illegal.