According to an American Psychological Association's Stress in America 2025 survey, 54 percent of U.S. adults often feel isolated. Half of those adults feel left out or disconnected, and the other half state they lack companionship. Some of us are able to work out of those states, but for others, they spiral and begin to despair over life. That happened in July in Nashville, when a man decided life was no longer worth living. He attempted to jump off a bridge into a river, until a compassionate police officer was able to talk him off the ledge and offer him hope to carry on.
Hands that reach and ears that hear, is the subject of this week's Feel-Good Friday.
Metro Nashville Police Lieutenant Mike Hotz answered the call to the Victory Memorial Bridge which spans the Cumberland River. A man named Gary Butler was livestreaming online, and said he planned to jump into the river and kill himself. Lt. Hotz first reached out with his voice, inviting Butler into conversation. Then he allowed Butler to tell him his story.
The officer did what many people fail to do: he simply listened.
Lt. Hotz's interaction with Butler was recorded on his bodycam footage, shown in the video below.
"I just want to help you talk through this… this worst day of your life. And I know it is," Hotz said.
Hotz had served on Metro's Crisis Negotiation Team, but this conversation was personal, too. As a combat veteran, he recognized something in the man's pain.
"He cried several times with just absolute frustration, and having been a military combat veteran. And unfortunately, I've had more experiences than I can count with the brothers that I served with overseas going through mental crisis and having suicidal thoughts."
I have not had as many experiences as Lt. Hotz, but I've had a few. The absolute miracle of just being present and listening without much commentary and judgment helps people feel safe and supported. When we are heard, we often feel less alone. While our problems and woes may not necessarily change, just vocalizing them helps to put them in perspective, and assists us in taking steps toward change. I am a firm believer that most people don't want to die: they just want the feelings of isolation and pain to end.
In what some might consider an uncharacteristic move, Lt. Hotz told the man, "I love you. It's gonna be alright."
Butler stepped away from danger at the edge of the Victory Memorial Bridge, and toward Lt. Hotz and the other NPD officers. Hotz and Butler embraced.
"I think at the end, when he hugged me, I think it was a release of all their emotions and just realizing that they were going to trust us to get them the help they need," said Hotz.
For Hotz, the moment didn't end when the man stepped away from the edge. It stayed with him.
"At the end of that call, I kind of stepped away from the officers and the counselors that were on scene and kind of just said a short prayer and thanked God for having me in the right place at the right time. And I just feel very fortunate."
Gary Butler was fortunate to have Lt. Hotz on call that day. Not only is Lt. Hotz a wonderful human, he's quite the powerhouse in the law enforcement community.
Hotz recently received the Excellence in Protection Award from the DEA at a summit in Orlando. He developed Nashville's ONEbox program, leading to overdose-reversal kits being installed at more than 500 locations across the city, including bars and other public venues. His work with overdose investigations also helped Nashville achieve one of the highest reductions in drug deaths.
Lt. Hotz encouraged others to dig deeper and ask uncomfortable questions of the people in our lives.
"And just know that you can have those uncomfortable conversations and ask people how they're doing. And that's gonna help you help your friends and family get the help that they need."
"I just want you to feel like you are loved here because you are."
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The beauty part is that the story continues. Local News station WTVF followed up with the man weeks later, and Gary Butler was seeing his situation turn around.
Butler is so thankful to be alive.
He now has temporary housing far from the bridge, along with his medication, and is seeing a therapist. He also has a message for others feeling the same type of pain.
“I would tell them it's not worth it. I understand, I truly understand. I've been in the situation before, but not worth it.”
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If you are struggling, don't hesitate to call a family member, a friend, a colleague, or a spiritual leader. If none of those are available, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. It is a free, confidential support service that is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You are loved. You are seen. You are not alone.
Editor's Note: At RedState, it's not all about politics and policy. We like to bring attention to what's good in the world, with columns like "Feel-Good Friday," "Start Your Weekend Right," and "Hoge's Heroes."
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