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New details are emerging after a man jumped to his death from atop an interstate overpass in the region, shutting down the highway for over an hour.
The Albany County incident happened at around 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, near the I-90/I-787 interchange in Albany.
New York State Police said a person jumped from the I-90 overpass onto I-787 and was pronounced dead at the scene. No vehicles were involved and there were no other reports of injuries.
The deceased individual is 57-year-old Michael Matteo, of Albany, his attorney Joseph McCoy confirmed to Daily Voice. He was scheduled to be sentenced to up to seven years in prison in Albany County Court on Tuesday morning, roughly an hour before his death, court records show.
In February, Matteo pleaded guilty to one count of third-degree grand larceny after Albany Police said he scammed an Albany homeowner out of more than $138,000 for renovation work that was never completed.
As part of his plea agreement, he was to repay $138,698 in restitution or else face up to seven years in prison.
An Albany County judge issued an arrest warrant after Matteo failed to appear Tuesday morning. McCoy said the Albany County District Attorney’s office informed him of his client’s death roughly an hour later.
The incident closed all northbound lanes of I-787 between exits 5 and 6 for nearly 90 minutes. The roadway fully reopened at noon.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline) offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at: 988lifeline.org.
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