The Savannah Police Department identified remains found in the Savannah River as Spc. Estephan Nielsen, the soldier who jumped from the Talmadge Bridge on Dec 3.  

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of Spc. Nielsen, and we offer our sincerest condolences to his Family and friends,” said Col. Ryan Sullivan, commander of the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division. “He was a valuable member of our unit, and we are working tirelessly to provide support to his family and members of our team during this difficult time.”  

Local authorities responded to an incident on the bridge at around 6 p.m. on Dec 3. Nielsen ultimately jumped from the bridge and rescue personnel searched for the soldier. His remains were found by local authorities Wednesday. 

Nielsen joined the Army in March 2017 and served as a motor transport operator. His awards include the Army Achievement Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. He recently returned from a rotational deployment to Europe. 

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and press 1 for the Military Crisis Line. Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield have many resources available to soldiers and families, which includes Army Community Service, behavioral health treatment, military family life counselors, and religious services and chaplains.