Newport man recognized for saving woman’s life, now advocating for mental health

PORTMOUTH, R.I. (WLNE) — After saving a woman’s life in 2024, a Newport man is advocating for mental health awareness.

On Jan. 7, 2024, Brian Finn was on his way to Bristol, driving across the Mount Hope Bridge, when he saw a woman in distress.

“There was a car just kind of stopped at the first span, I’m a technician I thought maybe they broke down, I was pulling over to try to help them out,” Finn said. “The woman just got out of her car and went to the side to jump.”

Before he could even think, Finn said he yelled “no no no.”

“The only thing I really remember is running over and remembering ‘don’t knock her off,’ I kind of grabbed her from the side and when I did I looked down and saw the water and was like yeah, that’s a drop,” Finn said.

He told another driver on the bridge to dial 911 and stood between the woman and the railing.

“She just wanted it to be over and I just told her ‘I’m sorry not today,'” Finn said.

He hugged her until officers arrived, and risked his life to save hers.

“Once they took her from me and I knew she was safe, your guts kind of up in your chest, I honestly don’t really remember,” Finn said.

On Feb. 12, the Portsmouth Police Department presented Finn with the “Civilian Lifesaving Award” for his bravery.

“This happens to people everyday, and sometimes all it takes is you walk by a stranger and say hi,” Finn said. “Sometimes, that’s all it takes.”

Finn said he would like to see a change on the bridge.

“Since then I’ve really been behind the suicide barriers, I get they’re expensive, but they could save lives for people who are unfortunately at the point, but also for the people who are trying to get them down,” Finn said.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available for people in crisis or for those looking to help someone else.