Dad Accused Of Forcing 12-Year-Old Daughter To Jump In River

NASHVILLE, TN — A Hermitage man who allegedly forced his daughter to jump from the Silliman Evans Bridge and then foiled rescue efforts is charged with reckless endangerment.

Early on the morning of August 6, police pulled Steve Comiskey, 49, and his 12-year-old daughter from the Cumberland River near Nissan Stadium, three-quarters of a mile downstream from where the two were seen jumping off the Silliman Evans Bridge by passers-by.

(For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Middle Tennessee Patch morning newsletter.)

It was a bizarre situation. Witnesses reported a white van travelling west on Interstate 24 East, then pulling over to the shoulder. A man and a young girl then jumped from the bridge into the water below, though witnesses at the time disagreed on who jumped first.

According to an affidavit filed this week, "(Comiskey) walked to the edge of the bridge and told the juvenile that they would have to go into the water. They counted down and together jumped from the bridge."

When rescue boats approached them, Comiskey told the girl they wouldn't be getting on the boat and kept her from swimming to safety, according to the report. Eventually, when the girl could swim no longer, Comiskey allowed her rescue.

The girl was taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Comiskey to an undisclosed hospital. His daughter has since been in the custody of the Department of Children's Services.

Comiskey is free on a $15,000 bond.

Image via Metro Nashville Police