ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – A Fort Campbell soldier died after driving his car into the Cumberland River off the McGregor Park boat ramp Thursday evening around 6:18 p.m.

Two Clarksville Police Department (CPD) officers observed the red car with out of state tags parked near the boat ramp. When they approached, the driver accelerated, going into the water. They followed in an attempt to save the driver, but were unsuccessful.

Personnel on a towboat anchored across the river launched a small boat and attempted to assist, but they lost sight of the car when it filled and went under the water, according to Lieutenant Steve Warren of CPD.

The officers sustained no injuries while attempting the rescue.

Clarksville Fire Rescue and the Montgomery County Rescue Squad joined CPD and Emergency Medical Services at the scene to recover the car, but search operations were suspended Thursday at 11 p.m. due to a strong current and debris in the water, and crews resumed Friday morning.

Rescuers located a second submerged vehicle in close proximity in the river, according to Lt. Steve Warren. Nothing is known about the second vehicle and a recovery of it is not planned at this time.

The red car was discovered and removed from the water Friday around 1 p.m. The driver, later identified as 19-year-old Jalyn Davon Jones, was found deceased inside the car.

Jones was originally from Indiana and was currently stationed at Fort Campbell.

“Based on a joint investigation between the Clarksville Police Department and the Fort Campbell CID office all evidence, at this point, indicates Mr. Jones committed suicide,” said Lt. Steve Warren.

“It is very difficult. We work very closely with Fort Campbell and they’ve been a great partner to us. A lot of our officers are prior military. Many of us have worn that uniform, so it hits close to home,” he said.

This is an ongoing investigation and anyone with any information is urged to call Det. Eric Ewing at the Clarksville Police Department’s Special Operations Unit at 931-648-0656 ext. 5447.

SUICIDE PREVENTION INFO

Several agencies offer crisis support hotlines and websites. If you or someone you know needs help, the following resources are available:

The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services offers a crisis hotline that offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1-855-CRISIS-1.

The United States Department of Veterans Affairs offers a crisis line that also offers support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-273-8255, VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat or send a text to 838255.

Other online resources from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs are offered at www.MakeTheConnection.net and SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.

Photos by Lee Erwin and Nicole June, ClarksvilleNow.com