Atlanta, GA — This morning at the bustling Tom Moreland Interchange—affectionately known as “Spaghetti Junction”—police closed I‑285 at the congested I‑85 junction after a person reportedly entered a mental-health crisis and attempted suicide by jumping from the overpass into traffic below.
I‑285’s westbound lanes remained blocked for an extended period during the response, leading to heavy delays in the area. According to DeKalb County officials, first responders and crisis intervention specialists arrived promptly at the scene.
A police statement described the incident as “a person dealing with a mental crisis”, confirming that “Traffic [was] shut down” to allow emergency personnel to manage the situation and ensure public safety.
Social media quickly captured the scene, where a photo shared on Threads and other platforms depicted officers and mental-health professionals in discussion on the bridge.
A post from Georgia-based users emphasized that “mental health is not always visible. You never know what someone is carrying” —an urgent reminder that such crises can occur without warning, even in the heart of a city.
Historically, Spaghetti Junction has seen tragic incidents of suicide by jumping, often resulting in deadly outcomes. In several past cases, individuals who leapt from the interchange did not survive—prompting authorities and community advocates to reconsider safety measures at these high-risk overpasses.
In one notable 2014 incident, a man who was deeply grieving over the loss of his partner tragically ended his life by jumping from an overpass off I‑285. Those events have fueled calls for physical barriers and expanded crisis prevention programs around the interchange.
Earlier today’s incident again highlights the urgent need for enhanced mental-health awareness and support systems. Advocates note that direct intervention—such as pulling over, starting a conversation, and contacting professionals or crisis lines—can make a meaningful difference between life and death.
Motorists were advised to avoid the stretch of I‑285 and seek alternative routes during the closure. The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) and local media reported significant backups in all directions extending well into the morning commute.
What happens next?
Authorities confirmed that the individual was swiftly transported to a medical facility for immediate psychological care. While their condition has not been released, the combined response of police and mental-health teams signals a priority toward compassionate, crisis-focused care rather than a purely law-enforcement approach.
Community response
Local mental-health nonprofits and outreach groups are calling for more crisis-support infrastructure in high-traffic areas, including training for patrol officers and better signage to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (dial 988). They stress that “you never know what someone is carrying”—a message that has resonated deeply today .
Takeaway
This morning’s shutdown at Spaghetti Junction stands as a stark reminder: suicide and mental-health crises can happen unexpectedly—and often invisibly. The incident underscores the importance of crisis intervention, awareness campaigns, and ongoing conversations about mental health in Atlanta and across the nation.
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. In the U.S., call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Your voice could save a life.
