Gregory Heffner, 43, of St. Charles fell to his death Tuesday evening from the Highway 370 Discovery Bridge.
Heffner had been traveling west bound on Highway 370 just west of St. Louis Mills Shopping Center when a Missouri State Trooper attempted to stop him for violating the speed limit.
According to the patrol, Heffner drove his vehicle off of the Highway and into a field. He abandoned his vehicle in the field and fled on foot.
While searching the area his body was discovered an hour and a half later beneath the bridge in St. Charles.
The patrol believes Heffner had attempted to jump from the west bound lanes into the east bound lanes, did not realize there was a gap between the two spans, and fell to his death.
According to police Heffner had convictions for stealing, burglary and traffic offenses. He was also wanted for failing to appear in Court on a traffic charge.
From the bridge to the ground, where Heffner’s body was discovered, is approximately 50 feet.
Another man fell from the span in 2003 when he was walking back to his disabled vehicle.
