Key Bridge Dec. 16 Deaths: U.S. Park Police Officer; Jumper Still Not Identified

A man discovered on the towpath beneath the Key Bridge after 5 p.m. and a United States Park Police officer responding to the emergency both died Dec. 16.

U.S. Park Police Sgt. Michael Boehm suffered a heart attack at 5:30 p.m. on the scene while first responding to the man on the towpath and working with D.C. Fire & EMS personnel. He was pronounced dead at Georgetown University Hospital. The 45-year-old Boehm had been with the Park Police for 19 years and was an Army veteran.

Two joggers running on the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal’s towpath halted when coming upon the so-called jumper. Prospect Street resident Andy Kline and his female running companion were stunned at the sight, he said. The woman, who requested anonymity, said she called 911 immediately.

With the Key Bridge at least 35 feet above, the man on the towpath was attended by D.C. Fire & EMS personnel and later pronounced dead at Georgetown University Hospital. He has not been identified by police who have also not confirmed whether he jumped or fell from the bridge.

U.S. Park Police were on the scene at 34th St. and the C&O Canal, next to Francis Scott Key Park. Along with the D.C. Fire Department, the Metropolitan Police Department were also on the scene. With the call, “Officer Down,” there were many Park Police cruisers on the streets; traffic was blocked for a time.

Boehm is the only line-of-duty death this year for the U.S. Park Police, one of the nation’s oldest law enforcement agencies. He is survived by his wife Corrina and son Christopher. A memorial service was held Dec. 28.