Police now say a mysterious incident in which a body was found on Interstate 93 in Medford, Massachusetts, during Tuesday morning's commute was the result of a man who jumped from the overpass onto the highway and was struck by one or more vehicles.
The incident caused a great deal of confusion, with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation initially describing it as a fatal crash, before state police later called it a "death investigation."
Troopers found the body around 4:30 a.m. on I-93 south, south of Exit 21, state police said. They provided an update at 11:20 a.m. saying that evidence indicates that the victim in the incident, an adult male, intentionally jumped from the overpass onto I-93 below, "where he was struck by at leat one, and likely more than one, vehicle."
The man's name was not released, and state police said no further updates are expected.
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MassDOT had said shortly after 6 a.m. that a crash investigation involving a fatality was ongoing. Drivers were told to expect delays, with the two right lanes closed for the crash investigation. The highway fully reopened after 9 a.m., but residual delays were expected.
"Drivers traveling southbound into Boston should anticipate major impacts and delays during the morning commute, consider traveling at another time or on another route, or consider using public transportation options, including the MBTA Orange Line or MBTA Commuter Rail for trips into Boston," a news release from MassDOT said.
Transportation officials said they put out message boards warning drivers of the delays, including near the New Hampshire border.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or chat live at 988lifeline.org. You can also visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for additional support.
