Montgomery County officials plan pedestrian barricades on Highway 242 flyovers after two teen suicides prompt community safety calls.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Pedestrian barricades are in the works on the Highway 242 flyovers in Montgomery County after two local teens died by suicide at the same location in recent months. Officials are responding to community calls for safety improvements at the overpass, which spans I-45 in The Woodlands.
The effort comes after 17-year-old Sophia Lucario died in August 2024, followed by the recent death of 17-year-old Ryder Jacoby at the same location. Both teens had struggled with mental health.
“Had there been barriers, my daughter might have not done what she did,” said Cassandra Lucario, Sophia’s mother.
Following these tragedies, 17-year-old Lacy Tinnel, a friend of Sophia’s, turned her grief into action by writing a letter, starting a petition, and rallying support for safety barriers on the bridge.
“When Sophia passed away, we all started crying,” Tinnel recalled.
The petition has already gathered over 14,000 online signatures, with an additional 1,000 signatures collected on paper by Tinnel and Ryder’s 14-year-old sister, Candence Jacoby, who is now facing life without her older brother.
“It’s been hard for me. I am in denial and processing it,” Candence said.
Supporters of the barriers believe that even a simple structure could save lives by providing a crucial moment for reflection.
“It gives someone a moment to think: Is this something I should do?” explained Candence.
She also started a petition calling on the government to not cutback on funding for mental health professionals in schools.
The Montgomery County Judge Mark Keough has reportedly contacted the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) about adding barriers to the bridge. When reached for comment, the judge’s office had not yet responded.
Family members acknowledge that barriers alone won’t solve the teen mental health crisis or ease their pain, but they hope these changes might prevent future tragedies.
“For a lot of students, it’s a reminder it’s a way out of this need,” said Tinnel, emphasizing how the barriers could provide hope and potentially save lives.
Resources for suicide prevention
Suicide prevention starts with recognizing the warning signs of suicide and taking them seriously. Talking openly about suicidal thoughts and feelings can save a life.
If you or anyone you know is in need of help, you can contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text the lifeline at 741741 or chat online here.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States.
You can also reach out to UT Physicians here.