Lady Luck Smiles on NY Poker Pro As He Jumps into Hudson River
Matthew Casteralla, a 29 year old professional poker player from New York who thought his luck had run out jumped off the Tappan Zee Bridge into the Hudson River, only to find out that his lucky days were not over yet.
Reports estimate that Casteralla, who won the 2007 Borgata Winter Open and had a poker bankroll of $1,773,517, has been in financial difficulty this year. Casteralla who originated from White Plains in New York has been known to play in poker tournaments worth of $1,500-$10,000. Recently, the player has been seen in low buy in online poker games and has been suffering with financial problems for a few months now.
Casteralla who it is believed intended to end his life that day, survived the fall much to the amazement of the police. The fact that Casteralla survived the massive drop of 43 meters from the bridge into the churning waters below and emerged with just a few minor injuries could be an indicator of good things to come.
Casteralla who had been driving through shut off his car at the centre of the bridge, climbed over the safety railing and jumped off the Tappan Zee Bridge. He fell a distance of 138 feet into before hitting the water and was rescued immediately by the Piermont and Tarrytown fire department that had boats patrolling the area. The police reported that Casteralla appeared conscious and alert and only had a few minor bruises. Matt Manza, a police investigator commented on the player’s survival saying, “”He’s pretty lucky. I guess he just landed the right way.”
It would appear that Casteralla has been given a new lease on life and one can only hope that all goes well with this poker player and that his luck has changed for good this time.
