A man's survival after leaping 278 feet from the Brooklyn Bridge on Sunday may be attributed to several factors, with the most probable being his body's orientation upon impact with the East River, a trauma surgeon told The Post. The jumper, identified as 44-year-old Galymzhan Abaildayev, was in stable condition following the fall.
Dr. David S. Shapiro, a trauma surgeon with over 30 years of experience, stated that jumps or falls from such extreme heights are typically fatal due to the immense kinetic energy generated, leading to widespread, life-threatening trauma. Shapiro noted that the speed of impact with the water could have been between 79-87 mph.
One potential factor in Abaildayev's survival could have been the bag he was carrying, which might have acted as a makeshift parachute, slightly reducing his descent speed. Another, less likely possibility suggested by Shapiro is that an object falling just before Abaildayev could have disturbed the water's surface, softening the impact. However, Shapiro emphasized that there is no evidence to support either of these scenarios.
Shapiro indicated that Abaildayev's body position at the moment of entry into the water was likely the most significant factor. He compared it to the technique used by cliff divers, who position themselves to slice through the water vertically, allowing them to survive impacts at high speeds. He explained that hitting the water vertically is far more conducive to survival than a flat, palm-down entry.
Injuries from such falls are referred to as "deceleration" injuries, similar to the rapid deceleration experienced in a car crash. Shapiro detailed potential injuries, including internal lacerations of the spleen and liver, severe bone fractures in the feet, ankles, femurs, and pelvis, as well as spinal and skull fractures. These injuries can cause significant bleeding and trauma to the brain and spinal cord.
Shapiro cautioned that even if a person survives the initial impact, they are not necessarily out of danger, as delayed complications from injuries can still be fatal.
Abaildayev was rescued by the NYPD Harbor Unit and subsequently charged with reckless endangerment, making graffiti, public lewdness, criminal trespass, and disorderly conduct, according to police reports.