A Belle Chasse teen died on Saturday after falling from a stairwell inside Plaza Tower.
Police say the incident happened around midnight at Plaza Tower, an abandoned high-rise in the Central Business District.
New Orleans police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick and Deputy Mayor Michael Harrison held a news conference to provide more information on the incident.
According to police, the victim, a 17-year-old boy, and a group of friends from Plaquemines Parish entered the building, which police say was fenced off.
“Every single one of them are traumatized. Their families are traumatized,” said Kirkpatrick.
The group ascended to a higher floor, and when they were attempting to descend the stairs, the victim fell.
The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by EMS.
Police believe the group had been consuming alcohol.
Another teen was hospitalized because of a deep laceration to an arm and wrist.
Kirkpatrick said they will address the trespassing charges at a later time while the family and friends grieve.
“We will address that at a later time, these are a group of kids, and so all of them are grieving along with the family. Trespassing would be an appropriate charge, but that’s something to work with and address later,” Kirkpatrick said.
Plaza Tower is private property and is not owned by the city.
Kirkpatrick said the building has security.
“It’s my understanding that there is security provided, but I can’t tell you it was there at the time because obviously the kids got in,” she said.
Plaquemines Parish School District issued the following statement:
“The Plaquemines Parish School District is heartbroken by the sudden and tragic loss of one of our students.
Our deepest condolences are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all those affected by this devastating loss. Counselors and support personnel will be available to assist students and staff as our school community grieves.
We ask everyone to respect the privacy of the student’s family and refrain from sharing any speculation during this incredibly difficult time. Because this remains an active investigation, the district will not release any additional information or comment on the circumstances surrounding the student’s passing.”
This is an ongoing investigation.
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