Los Angeles City Hall became the site of a deadly fall Wednesday when a person jumped from several stories up and landed on the building's front steps along Spring Street. Emergency crews pronounced the individual dead at the scene, and authorities say they are treating the case as an apparent suicide. Officials have not released any identifying information.
How authorities say it happened
According to TMZ, law enforcement sources told the outlet the person jumped shortly after 4 p.m. and is believed to have leapt from roughly the 25th or 26th floor. The outlet reports the individual was not employed by the city and was pronounced dead on the City Hall steps.
City Hall safety and earlier discussions
City records show that concerns about falls and ledge-jumping at City Hall have been on the radar before. A council file titled "City Hall Observation Deck / Ledge Jumping or Falling Prevention" appears in the Office of the City Clerk's online records, tracing prior motions and committee actions aimed at improving safety around the building's observation areas, according to the Office of the City Clerk.
What comes next
The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident, while the County Department of Medical Examiner will conduct the formal review to determine the cause and manner of death. The medical examiner's office states that it investigates unusual deaths and may perform autopsy and toxicology testing as part of that process, per the County Department of Medical Examiner.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the U.S. National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available at 988 or via text at 741741 for confidential support. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
This story will be updated as authorities release more information, including any findings from the LAPD and the county medical examiner.
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