Morgan County, AL — Body Recovered from Hudson Memorial Bridge After Suspected Jump into Tennessee River
Tragedy struck the Morgan County community this week after a body was recovered from the Hudson Memorial Bridge, following reports that a person had jumped into the Tennessee River on Wednesday evening. The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Thomas Wade Dugger, a local resident whose sudden and heartbreaking death has left loved ones and the broader community in mourning.
According to the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office, a witness alerted authorities on Wednesday after observing someone leap from the bridge into the water. The report immediately triggered a multi-agency, multi-day search operation involving local law enforcement, search-and-rescue teams, and dive units. The difficult recovery effort culminated on Friday around 11:45 a.m., when the body of Mr. Dugger was located and removed from the river.
Morgan County Coroner Jeff Chunn confirmed the identification of the body and stated that Mr. Dugger’s family has been notified of the tragic development. Authorities have not released further details surrounding the circumstances of the incident, and an investigation is ongoing to determine the events leading up to the moment Dugger entered the water.
The Hudson Memorial Bridge, which spans the Tennessee River between Morgan and Limestone counties, is a heavily trafficked structure, both in terms of vehicles and foot traffic. Incidents such as this one are rare, but they send shockwaves through the tight-knit local community each time they occur.
News of the recovery has prompted an outpouring of condolences and calls for compassion. Community members have taken to social media to express sympathy for Dugger’s family and to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the first responders who participated in the search. Many are also reflecting on the emotional toll such incidents take not just on the families involved, but on witnesses and rescue personnel who deal with the aftermath.
Mental health advocates in the region are using the moment to encourage open conversations about mental health awareness and suicide prevention, emphasizing the importance of community support and accessible resources for those in distress.
If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. The National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7 at 988, offering confidential support from trained professionals. Local mental health resources are also available throughout Morgan County and the surrounding areas.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting Mr. Dugger’s grieving family and honoring the life of a man who was deeply loved by those who knew him. Community members are expected to gather for a memorial service in the coming days, the details of which will be announced by the family.
Rest in peace, Thomas Wade Dugger. You are remembered, and you are missed.