Suicide on I-5 Freeway: OCFA Fire Captain Jumped from Overpass

MISSION VIEJO, CA — An Orange County Fire Authority captain jumped to his death from the Crown Valley Parkway overpass at the San Diego I-5 Freeway in Mission Viejo Tuesday.

OCFA, Westminster, Fire Captain Eric Weuve, 41, suffered fatal injuries from the jump that the Orange County Sheriff's Department was investigating as a suicide, said OCSD Lt. Mark Stichter.

Traffic on the I-5 freeway was shut down for about an hour after Weuve jumped to his death from the Crown Valley bridge into southbound traffic.

At the end of Tuesday's county board meeting, Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer adjourned the gathering in memory of Weuve.

"Incidents like this serve as a reminder the holidays are a very tough time for a lot of people, so just hope everybody spends a great time with their family and remind yourself and your family just how important and precious life is,'' Spitzer said.

The incident forced authorities to block southbound traffic until a couple of lanes were reopened at 12:10 p.m., Kurtz said.

Authorities were called just before 11 a.m. about the threat, said California Highway Patrol Officer Agustin Latosquin. Northbound traffic was not blocked.

“We can confirm that this was a suicide,” Stichter said. “The man jumped off of the Crown Valley Bridge into southbound 5 traffic and was hit by multiple vehicles.”

Orange County Fire Authority responders pronounced Weuve dead at the scene, said Kurtz.

Traffic remained slow through the area as the Orange County Coroner's office conducted its investigation. Multiple follow-up accidents were also being investigated.

California Highway Patrol originally closed all southbound lanes on I-5 between Avery and Oso parkways. Northbound traffic was also slowed due to curious onlookers.

This is a developing story. More information will be added as it is released. Please refresh this page for updates.