The Michigan State Police confirmed Saturday that search teams recovered the body of an individual believed to have jumped from the Mackinac Bridge after more than a day of searching in the Straits of Mackinac.
Timeline of the search
State police say the incident began in the early hours of Thursday, July 9, when officers were alerted to an abandoned vehicle on the bridge at 12:35 a.m. Review of bridge security video showed a person leaving the vehicle and jumping from the span, prompting search-and-rescue operations.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| July 9, 2026 | Abandoned vehicle reported on Mackinac Bridge at 12:35 a.m.; video showed person leaving vehicle and jumping |
| July 10, 2026 | Body recovered at approximately 6 p.m.; identified as the focus of search |
Recovery and official statement
In an email released Saturday, Michigan State Police Lt. Benjamin Eckola wrote that at approximately 6 p.m. on July 10, the body of the individual who had been the focus of search efforts was recovered from the Straits of Mackinac.
"On July 10, 2026, at approximately 6 p.m., the body of the individual who was the focus of the search and recovery efforts in the Straits of Mackinac was recovered," State Police Lt. Benjamin Eckola wrote.
Community impact and resources
Incidents on the Mackinac Bridge draw significant attention because the structure links Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas and carries both local and tourist traffic. Local authorities typically coordinate multi-agency responses for water searches in the Straits, which can be challenging because of currents and water conditions.
The state police message included a note directing anyone in need of mental-health support to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 by call, text or chat at 988 or online at 988lifeline.org.
- Abandoned vehicle reported on bridge: July 9, 12:35 a.m.
- Search and rescue operations: July 9–10
- Recovery of body: July 10, ~6 p.m.
No further details on the individual’s identity or cause of death were released by state police in the initial statement. Authorities often withhold identifying information pending notification of next of kin and completion of investigations and any required autopsy procedures.
Anyone with information about the incident or who witnessed unusual activity on the bridge that night is asked to contact the Michigan State Police; the agency typically provides additional contact details and reporting instructions on its official website and local posts as investigations proceed.
Reporting from the Straits of Mackinac area will continue as officials release more information.
