Commuters in northeast Los Angeles faced a harrowing scene Tuesday afternoon after a fatal incident on the 110 Freeway in Highland Park. The tragedy not only disrupted traffic for hours but also left many shaken as details emerged about what had taken place near the Avenue 52 bridge.

According to the California Highway Patrol (CHP), the incident occurred late Tuesday morning when an individual reportedly jumped from the Avenue 52 bridge onto the northbound lanes of the freeway. The impact was fatal, and the person was pronounced dead at the scene.

Aerial footage broadcast by Sky5 showed a white tent erected under the bridge, a standard measure indicating the presence of a deceased individual and shielding the scene from passing motorists.

The fatality caused an immediate closure of nearly all northbound lanes, with traffic reduced to a single open lane — the No. 1 lane — as investigators worked at the site.

The closures led to significant congestion along the already-busy freeway, with vehicles backed up for miles as law enforcement managed the scene. Drivers in the area described the traffic as stop-and-go, with delays stretching well beyond the Highland Park neighborhood.

Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased, pending notification of next of kin. The person’s age, gender, and any potential circumstances leading up to the jump also remain unconfirmed.

CHP officials stressed that while evidence points toward the individual jumping from the bridge, the investigation is ongoing to determine the exact sequence of events. The incident was first reported late in the morning, prompting CHP officers and Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics to respond quickly.

Despite their efforts, the individual could not be saved. By just before 1 p.m., CHP announced that all lanes of the northbound 110 had fully reopened, and traffic flow gradually began returning to normal.

For motorists and residents in the area, the incident served as a sobering reminder of the fragility of life. Commuters expressed shock at witnessing the scene as they passed by, while some described feelings of helplessness and sorrow for the individual involved.

The Avenue 52 bridge, which crosses over the freeway in the Highland Park neighborhood, has been the site of heavy traffic and pedestrian activity for years. While incidents of this nature are not common, they highlight ongoing concerns surrounding mental health crises and the need for intervention and prevention.

Law enforcement officials did not comment on whether any safety measures might be considered for the bridge following the tragedy. For now, the focus remains on the investigation and supporting the family of the deceased.

The CHP urges anyone struggling with mental health issues to seek help. In the U.S., the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7, offering free and confidential support for individuals in distress.

Tuesday’s incident brought not just delays, but a stark reminder that behind traffic reports and police activity are human stories of struggle and loss.