Man Who Jumped Off Bridge Injuring Floater Appears in Justice Court

Corey Allan Hewitt appeared in Missoula Justice Court on Tuesday, January 21 on a high misdemeanor charge of negligent endangerment, for jumping off a bridge and seriously injuring another man who was floating on an inner tube.

Acting Justice of the Peace Mike Frelick read the charges to Hewitt, 20, who appeared in person in justice court.

According to court records, on July 21, 2013, Hewitt jumped off the downstream side of Bandmann Bridge into the Clark Fork River, landing on Andy Hill, causing serious injuries, including a fractured femur, chipped bones and tearing ligaments in both of Hill's legs. Hewitt admitted that he did not look upstream before he jumped.

The bridge is clearly marked that no jumping is allowed.

During Hewitt's court appearance, Deputy Missoula County Attorney Shawn Thomas told Judge Frelick that he did not oppose releasing Hewitt on his own recognizance, and requested that Hewitt be officially booked and released from the Missoula County Detention Center. Hewitt asked to be represented by a public defender.  He did not enter a plea during Tuesday's court appearance. His next court appearance will be March 5.