Woman injures herself on Town Branch Trail

FAYETTEVILLE — A 34-year-old woman injured herself Wednesday afternoon on the Town Branch Trail near the bridge on South School Avenue, according to police.

The woman called 911 at 4: 07 p. m. and said she cut herself with a knife on her neck and wrists, said Capt. Gary Crain, spokesman for the University of Arkansas Police Department. The incident happened on university property.

Emergency responders arrived in a short time and took her to Washington Regional Medical Center, Crain said. Other people walked and cycled by the woman while she was being helped. She was conscious and speaking as they carried her to the ambulance.

Police took statements from two witnesses who were male college students, Crain said. The students found the woman on the trail and also called 911.

Police didn’t release the woman’s name or the names of witnesses.

A girl died on the evening of Oct. 26 very close to where Wednesday’s incident happened. A cross decorated with flowers, stuffed animals and the words “we LOVE you” are just a few feet away from where paramedics helped the woman.

Carolyn Elizabeth Cotter, a 17-year-old university student, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the medical examiner’s report.

Her body was discovered by a cyclist on the trail between 15th and 19th streets.

Anyone wanting to speak to a nearby certified crisis center can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline toll-free number, (800) 2738255.