Photo: abc news
She's suffered a great deal of pain since the ordeal.
By Samantha Maffucci — Written on Feb 14, 2019
We all have our ups and downs in our friendships, but for the most part, we remain loyal friends to those closest to us. Being a good friend means calling your besties out when they need it, grounding them, and pushing them to do their best in their endeavors. But sometimes, we hurt our friends, even though we don’t mean to.
Such is the case of Taylor Smith and Jordan Holgerson. Just who is Jordan Holgerson?
If you keep up on the news, you may remember a story from last year where Smith pushed Holgerson off a bridge, causing Holgerson to fall 60 feet into the water below.
Where some may think this was all fun and games, Holgerson ended up suffering from six broken ribs, two punctured lungs, and is still going to physical therapy and dealing with daily pain. Doctors said that the impact of the fall, with Holgerson’s chest hitting the water first, was the equivalent of landing on solid concrete.
From her hospital bed, Holgerson gave an interview to ABC Portland, Oregon, recalling the moments that led up to the push.
“I went to the top of the bridge and... my friend... she came up to the bridge with me. And so, she was counting down but I didn’t think anything of it. And I was like, ‘No, don’t count down, like, I won’t go if you count down. I’m not ready.’ And then she pushed me.”
At first she felt no pain, but after she hit the water, her adrenaline started pumping. “And then an EMT that was off-duty helped me onto the rocks and just a whole bunch of people surrounding me were helping me, calming me down. I am happy to be OK,” she said.
Smith has been charged with reckless endangerment and was recently offered a plea deal. She initially could have spent up to one year in jail, though the terms of the plea deal are unknown at this time.
During the trial, Smith said, “She wanted to jump and she was scared and she asked me to give her a push. I didn’t think about the consequences. I’ve apologized several times, but I haven’t been able to see her in person. I went to the hospital. I got asked to leave; I wasn’t allowed to see her. I never intended to hurt her, ever, nor would I intend to hurt anyone. I’m really sorry it turned out that way. I just pray she heals.”
However, Holgerson has had different thoughts about the situation.
“Somedays, I kind of want her to go to jail, but some days I think that might be a little too harsh. In court I was kind of hoping for justice and her being sentenced, and everything just kind of being over.” In an interview with 60 Minutes, Smith said she apologized to Holgerson, though she didn’t accept the apology.
Photo: Facebook
Though the two were very close friends for years, they no longer speak to one another. It’s unfortunate that their story ended this way, but we hope both find some peace and that Holgerson can make a full recovery after this tragic accident.
Samantha Maffucci is an associate editor for YourTango who focuses on writing trending news and entertainment pieces. In her free time, you can find her obsessing about cats, wine, and all things Vanderpump Rules.