Taylor Smith told investigators she was trying to help Jordan Holgerson get over her fears
CLARK COUNTY — The 18-year-old accused of pushing a 16-year-old from the Moulton Falls Bridge has been charged with Reckless Endangerment. In a probable cause document obtained by ClarkCountyToday.com, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Laurel Smith says they determined Taylor Smith “engaged in conduct which created a substantial risk of death and resulted in serious injury to Jordan Holgerson.’’
Holgerson was pushed from Moulton Falls Bridge on Aug. 8 (note: an earlier version of this story says the incident happened on Aug. 7, but the probably cause document lists Aug. 8). In cell phone video of the incident, the teen can be seen hesitating before another woman pushes her from the bridge. The resulting fall of more than 50 feet results in six broken ribs, punctured lungs, air bubbles in her chest, and severe bruising across much of Holgerson’s body. She spent several days in the hospital recovering.
In the probably cause statement, Holgerson told investigators she had seen a friend jump from the bridge, so she decided to try. Once on the edge of the bridge, Holgerson says she hesitated and began to have second thoughts. That’s when Smith allegedly reached out, aggressively shoving Holgerson off the edge.
In her statement, Smith admitted to pushing Holgerson, but said she intended only to help her friend get over her fear, not to cause injury.
Reckless Endangerment is considered a gross misdemeanor in the state of Washington, and is punishable by up to a year in jail, and/or a fine of up to $5,000.
Read our previous stories here:
Clark County Sheriff’s Office releases the name of Moulton Falls suspect
Teen pushed from Moulton Falls Bridge speaks out from hospital
