by James
5. August 2010 13:10
Matthew Casterella, a 29 year old poker pro who hails from New York City survived a jump off the Tappan Zee Bridge on Monday is a pro poker players who has won more than $`1.7 million in tournaments in the past 5 years.
The poker pro was listed in a fairly decent condition on Tuesday after he was pulled from the Hudson after leading from the middle of the bridge into the river.
He's pretty lucky," state police Investigator Matt Manza said. "I guess he just landed the right way."
According to state police, Casterella stopped his 2007 Acura just northbound of the middle of the bridge where road workers saw him get out his car and climb over the railing. He jumped into the rivers where has was however immediately rescued fully conscious and alert by local members of the fire department boat units.
Manza said Casterella was seen trying to swim against the current in the water before he was rescued. He is being treated for “bumps and bruises” at Westchester Medical Centre in Valhalla, the investigator said.
Casterella was believed to have financial difficulties