Dared Straight! Teen Survives Plunge Off Golden Gate Bridge

SAN FRANCISCO (AP)  — A California high school student visiting the Golden Gate Bridge on a field trip climbed over a railing, jumped -- possibly on a dare by fellow classmates -- and somehow survived the 220-foot plunge into San Francisco Bay that kills dozens of people each year.

Most jumpers die a grisly death, with massive internal injuries, broken bones and skull fractures. Some die from internal bleeding, while others drown.

But the 17-year-old lived Thursday, suffering just a broken tailbone and torn lung. California Highway Patrol Officer Chris Rardin says he was rescued by a surfer.

Windsor Unified School District Superintendent Bill McDermott says he doesn't think the teen was trying to commit suicide.

The teen was taken to a San Francisco hospital, but officials couldn't provide further details on his condition.

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