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Cops Investigate Tappan Zee Bridge Jump, Dead Woman Was Former Bronx Science Teacher
By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 13, 2011
Modified Jul 13, 2011
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By
Jen Chung
Published Jul 13, 2011
Modified Jul 13, 2011
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State police are investigating yesterday's incident of a couple jumping from the Tappan Zee Bridge while naked, resulting in the woman's death and the man being critically injured. State Police investigator Joseph Becerra said, "There's an ongoing investigation to determine what their reasons were. We're looking at whether they were distraught or if there were other underlying issues." One paper's sources suggest that the woman may have hesitated before jumping and that the man pushed her.
The police identified the woman as Alfa Choice, 29, a former Bronx Science High School biology teacher who had been living in Ithaca with her boyfriend, Christopher Shears, 44, a Bronx native who was the other jumper. It's believed that she may have been working for Cornell. Construction workers on the bridge saw the couple get out of a parked Chevy Tahoe, naked, and climb on top of the vehicle. State Police zone sergeant John Antonelli explained, "They climbed over their vehicle and onto the barrier and climbed the chain-link fence and on to a work platform that was there for construction. From that platform, they utilized a large toolbox to jump."
According to the Post, "As they stood on the edge of the bridge, it appeared for a moment that Choice had a sudden change of heart, sources said. Staring at the 175-foot drop, Choice hesitated. Cops are looking into the possibility that Shears, determined not to go alone, may have pushed her off -- and then jumped himself. He could be charged in her death, the sources said."
Shears underwent surgery and his mother told the Daily News, "He's not doing better. They're moving him... He's a great guy, a great son. He loved people." As for his relationship with Choice, "I can't even say because it's not something I want to talk about."
A former Bronx neighbor of Choice's was surprised at the news, telling the Post, "She was not a person I would think would commit suicide" and mentioned Choice was "was often visited by women, also donned in black, that she introduced as her 'sisters.'" The Post adds, "Police sources said Choice may have belonged to a cult."
Tagged
alfa choice
bronx science high school
christopher shears
hudson river
Jumper
state police
suicide
tappan zee bridge
Jen Chung
Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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