18-Year-Old Charged for Pushing Friend off 60-Foot Bridge

Taylor Smith who pushed her friend, 16-year-old Jordan Holgerson off a 60-foot bridge on Aug. 7 has been charged with reckless endangerment. Holgerson suffered six broken ribs, a punctured lung and an air bubbles in her chest from her drop into the waters of Moulton Falls Regional Park, Washington.

The prosecutors filed the charge on Aug. 17 along with part of the arresting officer’s statement which read, “It is clear that Taylor Smith engaged in conduct which created a substantial risk of death and resulted in serious physical injury to Jordan Holgerson,”ABC reported.

Under Washington state law, reckless endangerment is considered a gross misdemeanor. Smith could receive up to 364 days in jail or up to a $5,000 penalty, or both for a gross misdemeanor.

In an interview with Michael Strahan, the 18-year-old said that Holgerson asked her to push her because Holgerson wanted to jump but she was afraid she wouldn’t be able to. Smith said she did it without thinking about the consequences, ABC reported.

Smith said she was surprised by the severe injuries Holgerson had suffered, but added that she knew something was wrong when her friend came out the water.

After the incident, Holgerson said in an interview that Smith should “sit in jail and think about … what she did.”

Smith said she was shocked that Holgerson wanted her to go to jail, because the two had been friends for many years. Smith added, however that it was understandable because Holgerson was experiencing a lot of confusion.

After arriving at the hospital, Smith was asked to leave and told that she wasn’t allowed to see Holgerson.

Smith said that she has apologized several times after the incident and that the two have communicated through Snapchat and text messaging. Initially Holgerson replied with forgiveness, telling her “it was fine” and “I know you didn’t mean to hurt me.” Then one day Holgerson stopped replying.

Strahan prompted her about the future of their friendship, the possibility of them ever being friends again.

“I hope so, I really do. I love that girl, I hope so, the ball’s in her court,” said Smith.

She clarified that she did not have any malicious or ill intent in the act.

“I never intended to hurt her, ever, ” said Smith, “nor would I never intend to hurt anyone. I’m really sorry it turned out that way, but, I just pray that she heals and gets better.”

Seeing Holgerson’s response change from forgiveness to complete silence wasn’t surprising for Smith. She said that she didn’t know what it was like to be in Holgerson’s position—to have people give her their opinions on what had happened, and to have her feelings change along the way. Smith said that all she could do is hope for the best.

Despite facing one count of reckless endangerment, Smith said she is willing to accept the prosecutors decision since she caused Holgerson bodily harm and emotional trauma. She added that at the end of the day, she just hopes her friend will have a quick recovery.