Watch NJ Transit Cop’s Brave-But-Heartbreaking Rescue Attempt

HOBOKEN, NJ — Although a man’s leap into the Hudson River near Hoboken Terminal earlier this week ended with tragedy, the actions of a brave NJ Transit police officer offered a ray of light on an otherwise dark day, officials say.

The fatal fall – which is now being considered a possible suicide – took place around 12:45 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 10, NJ Transit police previously said.

After a man jumped into the frigid river, a NJ Transit officer immediately leaped into action in a courageous – but unsuccessful – attempt to save him. In a video released Thursday, the officer can be seen rushing along a walkway and retrieving a ring buoy, which he throws down into the water.

When the man didn’t take hold of the lifesaving device, the officer jumped into the freezing river and swam out to him. For seven minutes, the officer fought the swirling currents and his own rising exhaustion in a valiant struggle to keep the man’s head above water.

Tragically, the man didn’t survive. Emergency responders removed his body from the waterway shortly afterwards, authorities said.

• See related article: Deceased Body Pulled From Hudson River In Hoboken

On Thursday, the NJ Transit Police Department posted a video of the rescue attempt on social media, along with the following statement:

“We hope New Jersey Transit Police Officer Silletti’s actions serve as an example of how dedicated first responders are to save the lives of people we may not even know. There is reason to believe this incident involved a suicide.”

Out of respect for the victim and his family, the included body-worn camera footage does not show the deceased, authorities said. Watch the video below. WARNING: Footage may not be appropriate for all viewers.

NJ Transit police encouraged anyone contemplating suicide to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

People in need of help can also contact the below resources:

• Tlc4teens.org: A website created by the Traumatic Loss Coalitions for Youth, which includes organizations, hotlines and relevant articles that have been vetted by TLC
• Call or text 2NDFLOOR — a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey youth and young adults, ages 10 to 24, at 888-222-2228. It is staffed 24 hours a day.
• NJ Hopeline: 855-NJ-HOPELINE at 855-654-6735

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Photo: NJ Transit Police Department