ASIRT investigating death at High Level Bridge in Lethbridge

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team is investigating the death of a man following an interaction with a Lethbridge Police Service officer at the Lethbridge Viaduct, commonly known as the High Level Bridge.

On July 13, 2026, at about 7:30 p.m., Lethbridge police received multiple 911 calls about a man walking west on the bridge, which is a railway trestle and not open to pedestrians.

One of three responding officers entered the bridge and approached the man near the middle. The officer spoke with the man and directed him to leave the bridge, but the man remained there. The officer and the man continued to speak.

At about 8 p.m., following an interaction between the officer and the man, the man went over the side of the bridge. Paramedics declared him dead at the scene.

ASIRT’s investigation will examine the officer’s actions and the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, including what occurred immediately before the man went over the side of the bridge.

The Police Review Commission directed ASIRT to investigate this incident as a Level 1 matter. Under the Police Act, this includes cases involving serious injury or death, or serious or sensitive concerns about an officer’s actions.

The information in this release reflects what investigators know at this early stage, and what they can share while maintaining the integrity of the investigation. The investigation remains ongoing, and no further information is available for release at this time.

ASIRT is part of the Police Review Commission, an independent civilian-led agency. ASIRT investigates potential criminal offences involving police across Alberta, including cases where the actions of a police officer may have resulted in serious injury or death.

Media inquiries:
PRCmedia@gov.ab.ca
780-644-0306