BUFFALO TWP — State police are investigating the death of a Butler County man who jumped from the Route 28 bridge.

Frederick Swartz, 55, of Buffalo Township died of suicide Wednesday, authorities said.

Two passing motorists saw Swartz jump off the bridge, which is about 300 feet above the Buffalo Creek and the Butler-Freeport Community Trail, said Sgt. William Myers at the Kittanning station.

Search teams found his body shortly after noon about 80 yards south of the trail.

Swartz was a longtime member of the Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township board of directors. He also formerly served on Freeport Council.

He worked for a Lawrence County paving company.

Police said Swartz drove his company truck onto the bridge and parked it on the side. He walked over to the bridge railing and jumped.

“Two people in the same vehicle called it in,” Myers said. “They saw him jump.”

The bridge — known as one of the highest spans east of the Mississippi River — has been the scene of several suicides over the years.

Police and volunteer firefighters Wednesday were called to the scene, which straddles the border between Butler and Armstrong counties. Swartz was pronounced dead by the Butler County Coroner’s office.

Police would not say if he left a suicide note. Myers said the investigation continues.

“We’re still interviewing family members and trying to determine a motive,” he said.

The Redmond Funeral Home in Freeport is handling funeral arrangements.

News of Swartz’s death shocked the community.

“He was a valuable member of our board,” said Don Amadee, manager of the Municipal Authority of Buffalo Township.

Swartz, the father of two sons, was appointed to the board in November 1997. He had been serving as chairman since January 2008.