Gillespie Community Mourning Loss of Bridgette Ingram After Tragic Incident on I-55
The Gillespie community is grieving following the heartbreaking loss of 56-year-old Bridgette Ingram, who died Tuesday afternoon in Litchfield after authorities say she jumped from a bridge over Interstate 55. According to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office, the county’s telecommunications center received a 911 call at approximately 1:45 p.m. on January 14 reporting that a woman had jumped from the Illinois Route 16 overpass onto the interstate below.
Multiple agencies responded to the scene, including the Litchfield Fire Department, Litchfield Police Department, Illinois State Police and the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Upon arrival, Litchfield Fire EMS personnel assessed the woman and requested the Montgomery County Coroner’s Office. Bridgette Ingram, of Gillespie, was pronounced deceased at the scene by Montgomery County Coroner Randy Leetham.
The Illinois State Police Division of Criminal Investigation and Illinois State Police Crime Scene Services also responded, and an autopsy was conducted Thursday, January 15 at the Sangamon County Coroner’s Office Regional Facility. The Montgomery County Coroner’s Office and Illinois State Police continue to investigate the incident. During the initial response, the Illinois Department of Transportation assisted with closing portions of northbound Interstate 55 near milepost 52.
Though the circumstances of Bridgette’s passing have left many shocked and heartbroken, those who knew her are choosing to focus on the life she lived rather than the tragedy that ended it. Bridgette is remembered as a woman who mattered — someone whose presence, relationships, and memories will continue to remain with the people she loved. May she rest in peace, and may her family and friends find comfort during this incredibly difficult time.
