Public outcry ensuing over Arkwright Bridge after drowning death

August 26, 2016 4:02 pm

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

Public outcry has ensued over the Arkwright Bridge on the Cranston-Coventry line after a 27-year-old drowned in the Pawtuxet River on Wednesday. Neighbors in that area say unfortunately, that tragic death came as no surprise.

A memorial is now set up on the bridge for Alexander Higham. He jumped off the bridge Wednesday and was swimming with friends when all of a sudden, he went under and didn’t come up.

"This tragedy may bring some attention to the fact that and people will be more cautious. It’s extremely dangerous,” said Central Coventry Fire Chief Peter Lamb.

Chief Lamb is from the area and says the bridge has been on his radar for years.

"Going back years and years we’ve had water rescues in these very same spots,” said Lamb.

But the problem escalated around five years ago when the bridge closed to traffic. Now, it’s become a hangout spot and neighbors have had enough.

"There’s 50-60 kids at a time out there. And they’re darers. They go on the top of the bridge. Not the railings and hand railings. They go up to the top and jump,” said Albert Longo.

One of the reasons the bridge is so dangerous is because several tree branches have fallen into the water over the years. So when you jump in you never know what you might hit. Another issue is the bridge’s location. On one side it’s Cranston and on the other side it’s Coventry.

"I know several neighbors have called the police several times to try to eliminate it and the police have just done nothing. The Cranston Police have said it’s Coventry property and Coventry Police have said it’s Cranston property,” said David Puerini.

"There is a jurisdictional boundary. In terms of fire it doesn’t matter. It does matter in terms of a legal perspective,” said Lamb.

Regardless of who is responsible, officials are struggling to come up with a solution to keep people away. For now, they’re just trying to raise awareness of how dangerous a single jump could be.

"A fence, people are going to climb fences. The signs are there. It’s difficult. Enforcement is difficult,” said Lamb.

Officials do not believe Higham’s death was related to those dangers surrounding the bridge. Police say he could have had a pre-existing medical condition but they are still investigating.