Young Pushed Off Bridge By Friend Faces Legal Consequences
The teen who pushed her friend was sentenced to just 2 days in jail and 38 days of community service
In an unusual case involving friendship, fear, and rash decisions, a young woman faces legal repercussions after pushing her friend off a bridge in Washington state. The incident, which took place at Moulton Falls Regional Park on August 7, 2018, left the victim, Jordan Holgerson, with multiple injuries, including six broken ribs, a punctured lung, and air bubbles in her chest.
Taylor Smith admitted to pushing Holgerson off the nearly 60-foot-high bridge, claiming it was an attempt to help her friend overcome her fears. However, this reckless choice brought her to court. Though it was anticipated that Smith would accept a plea deal sentencing her to house arrest and community service, a surprising turn in the courtroom led to her receiving a 48-hour jail sentence, followed by 38 days of community work.
Footage of the incident was captured on video by one of the friends present. It shows Holgerson, hesitant to jump, after Smith's countdown, and finally, the push that resulted in Holgerson's fall. After emerging from the water, Holgerson was assisted by an off-duty paramedic and other bystanders.
Genelle Holgerson, the victim's mother, asked the judge for Smith to spend the same time in jail as her daughter did in the hospital. Despite the sentence, Smith's grandmother defended her granddaughter, stating that while she deserved a consequence, many untruths have been spread about the incident that unfairly paint Smith in a negative light.
The ramifications of the incident extend beyond legal and physical consequences, leaving deep emotional scars on both young women and their families.